Anchor opens dairy drink factory

The New Zealand Milk Lanka Ltd opened its Anchor Wam dairy drink factory at Biyagama investing Rs 99 million recently.

Deputy Minister of Industries Arjuna Ranathunga said New Zealand Milk Lanka has been providing milk products for past few decades and their products popular even in rural areas. He thanked for the company for investing here and creating job opportunities for Sri Lankans.

Managing Director of New Zealand Milk Lanka Ltd Alastair de Raadt said consumer demand for nutritious drinks is increasing strongly and it has become the fastest growing beverage sector in Sri Lanka which grew by nearly 20% every year he said.

The Anchor Wam been success in other Asian markets and we have backed our confidence in Sri Lanka with this investment in a dedicated plant de Raadt said.

The new factory would create an additional 18 full time jobs and bringing the company's workforce to 540. The company has 2000 Sri Lankan farmers who supply fresh milk for the manufacturing process. (AS)