Unicharm Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of health and hygiene products, laid the foundation stone for its unit in Sri City, the special economic zone in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

A total of Rs 250 crore would be invested in phases to set up the production factory. The initial phase is expected to be completed by July 2015.

  Unicharm had signed a lease agreement with Sri City for utilising 40 acres of land for its new production facility. During the initial phase it will offer jobs to around 400 persons. In its final phase of operation, it will require 1,000 persons. The company plans to give preference to women workers, a press release said.

   Unicharm India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unicharm Corporation. In 2008, Unicharm set up its local head office at Gurgaon and a production facility at Majrakath in Rajasthan.

   Ravindra Sannareddy, Managing Director, Sri City, said about 90 companies have set up their units during the past five years at an aggregate investment of Rs 10,000 crore. The direct and indirect employment opportunities created will enhance the economic condition of the people of the region, he added.

   somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in