KUALA LUMPUR: Nestle has selected Malaysia as one of its three sites across the world for its global procurement hub.
Nestle Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Alois Hofbauer said the 23,000 sq ft hub would service over 100 countries worldwide.
"We are very delighted to have this hub at Nestle Malaysia. We are participating in the success of this hub.
"We are getting great quality, raw and packaging material at the very best pricess so that we can pass this on to malaysian consumers," he said at a press conference after launching the Nestle Global Procurement Hub in Kuala Lumpur, today.
He said Malaysia is a key for Asian market for Nestle to host the group's three Global Procurement Hubs, known as Nestrade.
"The hub in Malaysia will source required ingredients, materials and services from around the world to supply the needs of over 100 countries globally," he added.
He said the hub in Malaysia consists of a talented team of about 130 staff to oversee and conduct procurement activities for Nestle markets across the globe.
Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said the government is firmly focused on its vision to position Malaysia as a preferred investment destination.
Ong said Malaysia is among the most globally competitive trading nations by 2020.
"Malaysia is well-positioned as an attractive destination for businesses. To date, more than 5,000 foreign corporations from 40 countries have established operations here in Malaysia," he said.
He said Nestle Malaysia's investments exceeded RM1.1 billion over the past five years.
"It employs more than 5,500 employees, majority are Malaysians," he said.
Ong pointed out Nestle Malaysia manufactures and markets more than 500 halal products and exported to over 50 countries worldwide.
He said Malaysia is still recognised as a cost-competitive location with open economic policies and attractive incentives for businesses.
Since its establishment in Penang in 1912, Nestle Malaysia's first production facility operated in 1962 in Petaling Jaya.
The company currently operates a total of eight production facilities, and listed in Bursa Malaysia in 1989.