Investing for Growth in Asia-Pacific
Colleagues,
One of our regional business objectives for 2014 is to be more focused on the right projects for the right customers so that we align our resources to those opportunities that will deliver the greatest value for Kerry and our customers. In line with this objective, the Asia Pacific regional leadership team has developed a strategy for investing in the
expansion of our Research Development and Applications (RD&A) and manufacturing capabilities within the region. I am pleased to announce the following investment decisions to support our business growth strategies and Taste & Nutrition Systems development.
New Global Technology Innovation Centre in Singapore
In 2014, Kerry will establish a Global Technology Innovation Centre (GTIC) and regional headquarters for Asia in Singapore. This Centre will house research, development and application laboratories, customer suites and enhanced customer insights and sensory capabilities. The GTIC is a state-of-the-art facility designed to bring together into one location all of our nutrition and taste technologies and the knowledge that accompanies those technologies. The Centre in Singapore will drive innovation, facilitate increased speed to market and support better customer
relationships. The GTIC will be a central location where customers will be able to work side-by-side with Kerry’s teams of food and beverage industry professionals to develop unique, innovative products that can be delivered quickly to market and differentiate their brands in the marketplace.
Three Regional Development and Application Centres and Five Regional Customer Centres
To better support our growing customer requirements in key locations within our vast region, we will establish three Regional Development and Application Centres in China, India and Thailand. The centres will leverage the breadth and depth of our Taste and Nutrition developing markets. In addition, we are establishing five Regional Customer Centres; one in Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines and Vietnam. These customer centres will enable us to provide customer-focused resources closer to local customers and local food trends, tastes and preferences.
Expanding Manufacturing in Malaysia
We are continuing to invest in Malaysia and will expand our manufacturing capabilities there, including the planned commissioning of additional lines in Plentong and Tampoi. To further grow our business services capability in Johor Bahru, a decision has been taken to lease an additional floor at KGBS to facilitate planned increases in staff and ease the congestion in our existing office space.
Working Together to Ensure a Smooth Transition
Our goal is to work together with all RD&A employees to ensure a smooth transition for the teams and business continuity for our customers. Over the next several weeks and throughout the year, our regional RD&A teams will have numerous opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback and discuss the details with their managers and regional leadership. We will provide more information related to this announcement for the RD&A leadership to share during regular team meetings and other engagement sessions.
I am confident that these investments will allow us to fully leverage our capabilities across the region to better serve our customers, grow the business, and provide more career growth and opportunities for all employees.
On behalf of the regional leadership team, I thank you for your continued commitment and support as we drive sustainable growth for the region.
Edmond Scanlon
President and CEO-Asia-Pacific
Kerry