Global snacks giant Kraft Foods has, in association with the Olayan Group, announced the expansion of its Nabisco Arabia plant in Dammam with the inauguration of a new Oreo production line and improved infrastructure and facilities.
The new production line was officially inaugurated by Lawrence MacDougall, president, Kraft Foods Middle East, and Africa and Jean Marc Delpon De Vaux, president (consumer goods division), Olayan Financing Company, in the presence of Vishal Tikku, managing director, GCC and Middle East shared services, Kraft Foods; and Hamad A. Olayan, director of corporate affairs, Olayan Financing Company.
The expansion spans around 8,500 sq. meters and includes a brand new state-of-the-art production facility that adds more capacity to the production of Oreo, in addition to the range of Nabisco biscuits, infrastructural enhancements enabling maximization in floor space utilization, improved ergonomics in equipment usage, and environmental-friendly refrigerant gas air-conditioning units.
The new production line more than doubles the plant’s production capacity to better serve consumers in Saudi Arabia and the region, and reflects the popularity of Oreo cookies. Besides Oreo, the Nabisco Arabia plant also produces Ritz crackers, and Belvita biscuits.
Following the expansion, the Nabisco Arabia plant has a capital investment of around SR 60 million. The plant employs approximately 170 people from six different nationalities, of which around 30 percent are Saudi.
“This announcement marks the expansion of our operations in the region and is a reflection of the increasing popularity of Nabisco brands, reinforcing our positioning as ‘a global snacks powerhouse’ not only internationally but also in the region,” said MacDougall.
Jean Marc Delpon De Vaux of the Olayan Financing Company said: “I am pleased to celebrate another milestone in business growth. We are proud of this factory’s achievement and our 50-year business relationship with Nabisco-Kraft.”
