Indian Dairy Manufacturing Company (IDMC), a subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has opened phase II of its plastic pouch packaging film plant in Anand district in the state of Gujarat.
The Rs370m ($5.46m) phase I of the plant has been providing packaging pouches for milk cooperatives at low cost since its launch in 2006.
Nearly Rs350m ($5.16m) was invested in the installation of blown film lines as part of the phase II expansion of the packaging plant over the past two years.
The annual manufacturing capacity of the plant has increased from 9,000 tons to 12,000 tons of food grade poly films and laminates, The Hindu Businessline reported.
Phase II also offers alternative printing technology for customers who seek rotogravure printing over flexographic printing, laser scoring on laminates and pouches and multi layer barrier films.
IDMC plans to invest an additional Rs400m ($5.90m) in a new plant in the region to manufacture 7-layer film, which could increase shelf life of milk, fruit juices and many other products, as reported by The Times of India (TOI).
NDDB chairman T Nanda Kumar was quoted by the TOI as saying: "We are also planning to set up another plant in southern region of the country, probably in Tamil Nadu, within a year. IDMC is also eyeing to tap the export market in coming months."
IDMC is anticipated to generate nearly Rs5bn ($73.8m) in annual sales volume for the fiscal 2015-16.
The company supplies packaging for liquid milk, milk products, edible oils, frozen vegetables, personal care products and other consumer goods.
Image: IDMC is planning to invest in the production of 7-layer film, which could increase shelf life of milk. Photo: courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
