Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd is expecting an increase in projected sales to RM300 million this year from Sabah and Sarawak, from RM262.8 million in 2012, with products mainly sourced from its Sejingkat factory.
Managing director Alois Hofbauer said that the company was also looking at expansion plans for the 38,000 sq m factory, which currently produces the Maggi instant noodles and Nestle ice cream brands, with new production lines.
Hofbauer revealed that the public listed company had invested over RM70 million in the Sejingkat factory, which opened in 1993 with a fried noodle plant and has now employed 235 people, mostly locals from neighbouring villages.
In August 1998, an ice cream plant with a cold room was added to produce brands like Nestle Mat Kool and Drumstick.
At present, an average one million of the instant noodle range is produced daily, forming the largest Maggi segment in Sabah and Sarawak, and targeting mainly the local market with a smaller volume for the Peninsular.
Hofbauer said last year, Nestle recorded a turnover of RM4.6 billion, an increase of 7.3 per cent from 2011, and an increase of 18.3 per cent in net profit during the same period.