Reitzel Group to expand Gherkin plant in Tumakuru

BENGALURU: Paris-based Reitzel Group announced Tuesday that it would expand its gherkin production plant in Tumakuru, about 70 kms from Bengaluru, with an investment of Rs 21 crore that will create 50 new jobs in addition to the 200 existing jobs.

Reitzel Group Deputy CEO Pierre B Darmon and Commissioner for Industrial Development Gaurav Gupta signed the agreement in Paris, where Karnataka Industries Minister R V Deshpande is leading a high-level delegation. During the 2-day visit, Deshpande is scheduled to interact with existing and potential investors with a special focus on manufacturing and aerospace sectors. The visit comes ahead of Invest Karnataka, the government's flagship global investors meet scheduled to be held in Bengaluru next February.

"French companies have invested about US$ 4.5 billion in FDI in India since the year 2000, which makes it the 9th largest FDI contributor to India. Karnataka is an important state for French companies. About 170 companies headquartered in Karnataka," Deshpande said. The minister also revealed that the government is taking steps to decongest Bengaluru and disperse industry to tier 2 and tier 3 cities.