MIDA: Hershey to build manufacturing plant in Johor

The United States-based confectionery, Hershey Company, is investing RM816 million to build a manufacturing plant at the Senai Free Trade Zone in Johor, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said today.

MIDA CEO Datuk Noharuddin Nordin said the plant, slated for completion in 2015, was Hershey's single largest investment outside the US.

"This is a testament to the continued attractiveness of Malaysia for multinationals making substantial commitments in the region.

"This project will bring years of positive economic benefit to Malaysia in the form of jobs and business for local suppliers," he told a media briefing today.

Noharuddin said the plant will be equipped with the state-of-the-art technology and will be one of the largest facilities in the company's global manufacturing network with 65,032 square metre area.

MIDA is an agency under the International Trade and Industry Ministry tasked with the promotion and coordination of investments in the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia.