SIG, based in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and a world leader in food and drink packaging solutions, has proudly announced the grand opening of its inaugural production facility for aseptic carton packs in India. This €90 million investment, completed in an impressive 20 months in Ahmedabad, marks a significant milestone for SIG as it enhances its footprint in one of the globe’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding markets.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the Gujarat plant boasts an initial production capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs annually. Moreover, it adheres to the highest environmental standards while generating over 300 local jobs. The new facility will service SIG’s expanding filler base, catering to all major dairy and non-carbonated soft drink producers in India. The official opening, attended by Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda and a delegation from Switzerland, underscores the importance of this venture for both SIG and the Indian-Swiss bilateral relationship.
As the largest milk market globally and a significant producer of juice, India presents vast opportunities for food and drink sustainable packaging solutions. With less than 10% of its milk consumption currently packaged and limited cold chain infrastructure, aseptic cartons offer a secure, sustainable, and convenient solution, enabling long-term storage of nutritious food and beverages without preservatives or energy-intensive refrigeration during distribution and storage. SIG’s new facility in India will provide quicker delivery lead times, increased responsiveness to market demand, and enhanced support for the dairy and beverage industries.
Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda commended SIG’s dedication to India, stating: “India and Switzerland unite a friendship for more than 75 years. It is great to see how successfully SIG, a Swiss global player, is developing in India, and it is a great honor for me to have the privilege of opening the new state-of-the-art packaging plant in Ahmedabad. This new plant reflects the fruitful partnership between India and Switzerland. It’s inspiring to see Swiss engineering at the heart of India’s food and beverage industry.”
Furthermore, SIG CEO Samuel Sigrist remarked, “This new packaging plant is a testament to our commitment to India and its incredible growth potential. We are proud to support our Indian partners with high-quality packaging solutions and fast, flexible filling technology. Our strong partnerships in this vibrant market are the foundation of our continued success.”
Since entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has achieved remarkable business growth, maintaining robust double-digit revenue increases in 2024. This new facility strategically positions SIG to meet rising demand effectively, while also laying the groundwork for future expansions. The SIG Board of Directors has already approved an additional €50 million investment to establish a local extrusion line, targeted for operation by 2027.
Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager, India, Middle East and Africa at SIG, stated: “The inauguration of our 10th global aseptic carton plant in India marks a significant milestone for us. Manufacturing the packages within the country will help us cater to the surging demand of customers and consumers more efficiently. It will also provide us with the opportunity to innovate and experiment with our designs and packages in line with market trends more conveniently.”
Vandana Tandan, Head of Market India and Bangladesh at SIG, added: “India is one of the most crucial dairy markets in the world, and over the years, the beverage processing industry has also witnessed remarkable growth. This presents an incredible opportunity for us to cater to customers with innovative and sustainable aseptic packages to meet the evolving needs of consumers. We look forward to increasing our reach within the country and neighboring regions.”
With this investment, SIG solidifies its position as a key player in the Indian packaging sector, contributing to the development of sustainable, innovative solutions for the country’s expanding requirements in food and drink packaging.
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