Mondelez International Unveils RM90 Mln Investment In Crumb Tower, Deepening Commitment To Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Mondelez International has launched its completed RM90 million Crumb Tower at the Cadbury Confectionery plant in Shah Alam, reinforcing its long-term confidence in Selangor and Malaysia as a strategic base for advanced chocolate manufacturing.
The tower was officially launched by Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, who recognised the investment as a reflection of the state’s continued ability to attract and retain high-value manufacturing activities.
In a joint statement Friday, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Mondelez International said the investment builds on more than 50 years of manufacturing in Selangor, where Cadbury products have been made since 1974, and strengthens the Shah Alam plant through greater automation, advanced process technology and improved operational efficiency.
“The facility produces chocolate crumb, a key ingredient previously imported from markets including South Africa and Australia, strengthening self-sufficiency and supply-chain resilience while creating capacity to support markets beyond Southeast Asia.
“The Crumb Tower integrates three advanced systems: a fully enclosed high-capacity powder-handling system, a new-generation T-reactor, the first of its design in Malaysia, and an advanced fat-handling system built to rigorous process-safety standards, enabling a highly automated and digitally controlled process that meets international quality and food-safety standards, with halal requirements integrated throughout production,” the statement said.
MIDA chief executive officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the agency is pleased to have supported the project.
“This investment reflects the company’s continued confidence in Malaysia as a strategic manufacturing base while demonstrating the value that quality investment can bring through advanced technology, local talent development, stronger domestic supply chains and future export opportunities.
“Importantly, the localisation of chocolate crumb production strengthens Malaysia’s manufacturing capabilities and supply chain resilience,” he said.
He said food manufacturing remains one of Malaysia’s most resilient and fastest-growing sub-sectors, securing RM4.9 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, a 40.9 per cent increase year-on-year.
Sikh Shamsul said MIDA welcomes Mondelez’s continued commitment to Malaysia and its contribution to the country’s position as a competitive regional hub for high-value and halal food manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Mondelez International Malaysia and Singapore managing director Simon Crowther said the Crumb Tower reflects its continued commitment to investing in Malaysia and strengthening the company’s manufacturing capabilities through advanced technology and local expertise.
“By producing crumb locally, we are building greater self-sufficiency while positioning Shah Alam to play a larger role within our regional manufacturing network,” he added.
Mondelez International Southeast Asia MSC director Nitin Binnani said the project is a significant milestone for the company’s regional manufacturing and supply-chain network.
“By bringing chocolate crumb production in-house at Shah Alam, we are not only strengthening supply-chain resilience and leveraging domestic production but also building world-class technical capabilities locally.
“The advanced systems we have integrated here -- from the new-generation T-reactor to the automated powder- and fat-handling systems -- set a benchmark for operational excellence.
“This positions the Shah Alam plant as a true reference site within our global manufacturing network and underscores our confidence in Malaysian talent and expertise,” he said.
The statement said the investment also strengthens local technical capabilities by reducing manual powder and fat handling and expanding the use of process control, data analysis and specialised equipment maintenance.
It said Malaysian engineers and operators have been trained to manage the new systems, while local technology suppliers have been qualified to support other Mondelez sites globally.
The Shah Alam facility is now positioned as a reference plant for chocolate crumb operations within Mondelez’s global manufacturing network, it added.
-- BERNAMA
