GOODRICKE TO SET UP A SECOND TEA PLANT
Goodricke Group is planning to set up its second instant tea plant with a capacity of 600 tonnes a year at Rs 35 crore within the next two months. According to KS David, MD, Goodricke Group a final decision would be taken if the company succeeds in striking a deal through Marubeni, the Japanese trading major."At present, we are trying to develop a special type of tea as specified by the Japanese. Only if we succeed, we would strike the deal and thereafter go for building a second plant," he cited. Currently, Goodricke's instant tea plant is located in Dooars with major clients like Coke, Hindustan Lever and few foreign companies. Meanwhile, the company is gearing up to strengthen its packet tea business. Goodricke approximately sold five million kilograms through packets in 2004 and is hoping to increase the figure to six million kilograms by 2005. The company is investing quite a heavy sum (Rs four crore) in brand building as well.