Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines (AHN) – Nestle started construction of its fifth factory in the Philippines with groundbreaking rites Tuesday at a 27-hectare land in Tanauan, Batangas.

The food giant will invest $97.6 million (4.3 billion) in the next two years to finish the facility, which is expected to create more than a hundred jobs.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III led the guests at the groundbreaking ceremony. He promised to provide all the support to businesses opening plants in the country to ensure smooth operations, long-term growth and economic development.

The facility, slated for completion in March 2012, will manufacture non-dairy creamers and powdered milk. It will directly create 170 new jobs, but is expected to create other employment opportunities for companies that will supply the upcoming plant with raw materials and services.

Nestle has four existing factories in Cagayan de Oro, Laguna, Batangas and Bulacan. Nestle Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Miller said the firm will continue to invest in these four facilities by bringing in new technology and equipment.

The new facility is in anticipation of a 19 percent increase in local demand for Nestle’s Bear Brand powdered milk and 18 percent hike for Coffee Mate non-dairy creamers. Miller said that within the next 10 years, Nestle may build two more plants in the Tanauan site.

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