RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to produce infant formulas and children's nutritional food products by next year. A manufacturing unit at a total cost of SR750 million is being built in Al-Kharj, some 70 km from here, it was announced Tuesday. Leading Saudi dairy company, Almarai, and Mead Johnson Nutrition, a global science-based company announced at a press conference here the setting up of a joint venture International Pediatric Nutrition Company (IPNC) that will be fully operational by end of September 2011. The construction of IPNC factory has already started covering a total area of 50,000 sq. meters in Al-Kharj. It is adjacent to the existing Almarai Dairy Farm. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, CEO of Almarai Company, said a production facility at a cost of SR750 million will be ready to manufacture world-class pediatric nutrition products and marketed in Saudi Arabia and other GCC states. “Our children will shape our future and nutrition in early years is crucial to their growth and development. It gives us immense pleasure that we are committing to the nutrition and health of our children,” he said. Chuck Davin, IPNC general manager, said the infant formulas co-branded as Almarai and Enfamil have been developed with key infant development areas such as brain and eye, immune system, and growth. Davin said Saudi Arabia's total market for infant formula accounts for over $300 million. The Al-Kharj plant will have state-of-the-art production facility and a big quality control lab. During the next three years, the IPNC will create about 200 jobs for Saudi nationals, he said. Fresh cow milk from Almarai Dairy will be taken and spray dried into powder in the preparation of infant milk formula. Dr. Craig Jensen, world-renowned pediatrician currently visiting the Kingdom, made a presentation at a seminar that coincided with the launch of the IPNC. About 150 Saudi pediatricians and other key figures from health industry field attended the event.
