GCB'S BATAM COCOA GRINDING FACILITY RECEIVES OVERWHELMING ORDERS

From Norsyafawati Abddul Wahab
(CORRECTING NAME OF COMPANY IN GRAF ONE SHD READ GUAN CHONG BHD)
BATAM, July 5 (Bernama) -- Cocoa-derived food ingredient processor, Guan
Chong Bhd (GCB), which commissioned a new cocoa grinding facility in Batam,
Indonesia, recently, is enjoying brisk orders from chocolate manufacturers,
globally.

Managing Director Brandon Tay Hoe Lian said orders have been pouring in
since the first production line of 60,000 metric tonnes, per year, was
commissioned in March.

"Since commissioning, our first production line in the new facility
was filling up orders at an ever-increasing pace.

"The first line was already fully sold for the entire 2011 due to rising
demand for our cocoa butter and cocoa powder," Tay told journalists after the
opening of the Batam facility here on Monday.

Against the backdrop of brisk demand, GCB has planned to install a second
production line to double the plant's capacity.

"With the plan to build a second production line in Batam, the group's total
capacity will increase to 200,000 metric tonnes, annually, hence leverage on our
position as one of the leading players in the global cocoa industry," said Tay.

He said the installation of the second line would begin in September and
woudl be fully commissioned by the second quarter of next year.

Currently, GCB has a total annual capacity of 140,000 metric tonnes,
including the group's 80,000 metric tonnes facility in Pasir Gudang, Johore.

Tay also said Batam was selected under the group's expansion plan due to its
proximity to Indonesia, from where it sourced its cocoa beans, and GCB's
headquarters in Pasir Gudang.

To date, GCB has a global distribution network of more than 70 distributors
and exported cocoa ingredientS to established clientele in more than 60
countries under the Favorich brand.