Swiss food ingredients group Givaudan has opened a EUR130m (US$167.8m) production facility in Hungary.

The Makó-based facility, dedicated to savoury flavours, will serve customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East regions, the firm said today (3 October).

Employing around 200 staff, the plant will have a total capacity of 40,000 tonnes, with commercial production due to commence in the coming months. The facility is expected to be fully operational by end 2013.

“This new factory is the largest greenfield investment we have ever made and an important part of our growth strategy,” said CEO Gilles Andrier. “This new site will strengthen our supply chain, enabling us to continue to expand our developing-market footprint and capture growth opportunities in culinary and snacks segments.”