Varun Beverages Plant in Pathankot opened-up; at least 2000 people to get employment

Chandigarh, April 8: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh laid the foundation stone of Rs 800 crore integrated, state-of-the-art plant of Varun Beverages Limited in Pathankot. The mega factory which is spread over 41.4 Acres will provide direct and indirect employment to nearly 2000 people.

 

On this occasion, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh also reiterated his government’s firm commitment to the holistic development of the border and Kandi region of the state. The Chief Minister also described the project as a stepping stone for the region’s development, for which his government was striving through various industrial and economic initiatives and incentives.

The Chief Minister also disclosed that in line with its thrust on the state’s industrial development, his government had so far inked 144 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 3700 crore with several companies.

“Spread over 41.4 Acres, the plant, to be built in two phases, will provide direct and indirect employment to nearly 2000 people, thus giving a major boost to the economic activity in the region and also vitalize the local supplier/vendor base,” the Chief Minister pointed out.

Recalling his old association with PepsiCo, the Chief Minister said that during his previous regime he had roped in Tropicana to give a boost to agriculture diversification in the state. He said that several plants were tested in citrus but the ambitious project was shelved by the Akalis once they came to power.

M/S Varun Beverages Limited to get operational in 12 months, this will be the first integrated dairy, Juice and carbonated soft drinks plant in the country, which will use Fresh milk from local milk farmers, Juice from citrus fruits mostly grown in Punjab under Pepsi guidance, and concentrate made by Pepsi in Punjab at Channo, thus benefitting the local farmers and industry.

At least 10,000 farmers would be benefitted by supplying milk for the plant, leading to augmentation of their income, he said, adding that similarly, litchi and citrus growers of the region would also gain through the project.