Tortillas made in China.

GRUMA, S.A. de C.V., one of the leaders in manufacturing corn flour and tortillas, opened its first plant in Asia. Located in Shanghai, China this is the company’s 89 facility in the world.

The plant’s inaugural was led by Roberto Gonzalez Barrera, Chairman of GRUMA, Jairo Senise, CEO and Juan Gonzalez Moreno, Asia – Australia Division Director.

GRUMA’s new plant has the capability to produce 15 thousand tons of wheat tortillas, 7 thousand tons of corn tortillas and 6 thousand tons of snacks. According to Barrera the new plant, and the resulting business in Asia, will initially generate 180 new jobs. GRUMA has invested $100 million U.S. in market research, geographical location and infrastructure, to ensure the new plant is strategically located to best serve its clients in Asia.

“In the first stage we will supply the continental China market, gradually increasing our range to the European and Asian borders of the Middle East. To us, this is a long-term investment that will open strategic new business opportunities,” said Barrera.

With its new tortilla and snacks processing factory, the company will provide better service to clients and consumers, offering fresher food, as well as introducing new GRUMA products to the Asian market.

The company has distributors in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines and Taiwan, among other countries in the region, which are supplied from China, a market that today includes 50% of the world’s population, and promises economic expansion and long-term growth in the future.

In the presence of Sergio Ley Lopez, Ambassador of Mexico in China, Zhang Li Pin, owner of the industrial park BaiFuQuin, where the plant is located, Zhou Wei Min, Mayor of Fengxian, and Ma Tian Lon, Government Secretary of Nanqiao, Barrera said, “China navigates with great success in the global economy. GRUMA’s competitive challenge is very big, due to the commercial relationship and the investment settled on clear, efficient and reciprocal rules, with proactive attitude and long term vision.”

“As in every business, risks have to be run, but if we establish solid foundations, the rewards can be very attractive. The process is hard because of the growth in China, only the best projects will be the winners,” emphasized the businessman from Nuevo Leon.

Moreno believes that “together with the plants acquired in Australia (and a new one to be constructed this month), the division reinforces its presence in these markets, improving its strategic position to supply these markets with world class quality products.”