The inauguration of a state-of-the-art production facility in Ahmedabad marks a significant milestone for SIG, enhancing its operational efficiency and bolstering the Indian-Swiss economic partnership. This €90 million investment underscores SIG's commitment to meeting the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in one of the world's fastest-growing markets.

Empowering India’s Dairy and Beverage Sector with Swiss Precision

Strategic Expansion in Gujarat

Nestled in the bustling city of Ahmedabad, this new plant signifies a pivotal step for SIG in expanding its footprint within India. The facility, completed in just 20 months, boasts an impressive annual capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs. Designed to adhere to stringent environmental standards, it exemplifies SIG's dedication to sustainability. The establishment of this plant is not only a testament to SIG's strategic vision but also a reflection of the robust growth potential within India's dairy and non-carbonated beverage sectors. By manufacturing locally, SIG aims to reduce delivery lead times significantly, thereby improving responsiveness to market demands. This move is expected to create over 300 jobs, injecting a fresh wave of economic activity into the region.

Strengthening Indo-Swiss Economic Ties

The opening ceremony was graced by Helene Budliger Artieda, the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, along with a distinguished delegation from Switzerland. Her presence highlighted the importance of this development for both SIG and the broader Indo-Swiss economic relationship. "India and Switzerland share a friendship spanning more than 75 years," she remarked. "SIG's success in India exemplifies the fruitful collaboration between our nations."This initiative underscores the mutual benefits derived from Swiss engineering expertise and India's dynamic market conditions. With India being the world's largest milk market and a significant juice producer, there are vast opportunities for innovative packaging solutions. Aseptic cartons offer a viable alternative, ensuring long-term storage of nutritious products without preservatives or energy-intensive refrigeration.

Driving Sustainable Growth in the Food and Beverage Industry

Aseptic packaging has emerged as a game-changer in India's food and beverage sector. Currently, less than 10% of the country's milk consumption is packaged, exacerbated by limited cold chain infrastructure. SIG's advanced aseptic carton technology addresses these challenges head-on, providing a sustainable solution that preserves product integrity while reducing environmental impact.Samuel Sigrist, CEO of SIG, emphasized the company's commitment to leveraging India's growth potential. "We are proud to support our Indian partners with high-quality packaging solutions and fast, flexible filling technology." Since entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has witnessed robust double-digit revenue growth, underscoring the strong demand for its innovative packaging solutions.

Future Plans and Continued Investment

SIG's commitment to India extends beyond this inaugural facility. The company has announced plans for an additional €50 million investment to establish a local extrusion line, set to be operational by 2027. This initiative aims to further enhance SIG's capacity to meet the increasing customer demands efficiently. Abdelghany Eladib, president and general manager for India, Middle East, and Africa at SIG, noted that manufacturing within the country will help cater to the surging demand of customers and consumers more effectively. Vandana Tandan, head of market India and Bangladesh at SIG, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the remarkable growth in India's beverage processing industry. With this strategic investment, SIG solidifies its position as a key player in India's packaging sector, aligning its operations with the growing needs of the food and beverage industry. The company's focus on innovation and sustainability positions it well to capitalize on future opportunities in this burgeoning market.