Writing instruments manufacturer BIC Cello has opened a new factory at Vapi, Gujarat at an investment of Rs 300 crore, which will act as an export hub.
The company on Monday said the Rs 300-crore plant, which it has claimed is the largest stationery facility in the country, employs 1,500 people -- 70 per cent of them women -- and will manufacture ballpoint pens, gel pens, and mechanical pencils, among others.
“The new factory will act as a growth engine for the domestic market apart being an export hub for the parent company Societe BIC,” the company said in a statement.
With this, BIC runs seven factories in the country- five in the Union territory of Daman, one each in Gujarat and Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
“Investment in the new factory is a demonstration of our commitment to this market. We are committed to build the Cello brand to become the brand of choice for consumers here.
We will focus on bringing in innovative, value-added, high quality products at an affordable price,” BIC chief executive Gonzalve Bich said.
The company has plans to invest more to develop the new Vapi factory.
The French stationery maker Bic Clichy had bought out Cello Writing Instruments in 2015.