International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) Inc has broken ground for a new flavours and fragrances plant in Sri City, which is expected to see an investment of about ₹500 crore.

Andreas Fibig, Chairman and CEO, IFF, said: “In this economically-vibrant country, it is critical that we invest to provide our customers with winning tastes and scents. This new facility will be fitted with capabilities tailored for our customers’ needs.

“IFF has had a leading position in India for over 85 years with a history of hiring local talent, contributing to the economy and to the communities in which we operate.”

Talking about the important features of Sri City, Fibig said: “Besides the world-class industrial infrastructure, we are also setting up very social infrastructure on the concept of ‘walk to work’, where all employees can afford to own a house close to their work spot.” Chandy Thambi, Legal Director, IFF, Greater Asia Region said: “Excellent logistics, coupled with good connectivity and the presence of well-established MNCs, made IFF come to Sri City, which is on a par with any other industrial park in the world.”

The plant is expected to be commercialised in December 2019. The new facility, which will be the largest flavour and fragrance manufacturing facility in India and the largest IFF site in Greater Asia, occupies a 32-acre/130,000 m2 plot, and will serve IFF customers across India and the region.

The plant will have capacity of 36,000 million tonnes per annum, and is expected to provide employment to 450 persons.