Swiss flavour company Firmenich has started construction of its new manufacturing facility in Zhangjiagang, China.

The new facility will focus on flavour production.

Firmenich initially started as a fragrance company, and branched into the flavour business in 1938 by creating a raspberry substitute, followed by citrus and strawberry flavours.

The company has also created other synthetic flavours for processed and preserved foods.

It is reported that the new manufacturing facility would feature modern technologies and allow Firmenich to improve its customer service across China, as well as operational excellence.

Firmenich CEO Gilbert Ghostine said: “Our significant investment in Zhangjiagang, reinforces our long-term commitment to China, our second largest market worldwide.

“It is critical for us to operate with world-class capacity and technology in China to best meet the dynamic innovation needs of our global and local customers.”

As part of its 2020 environmental goals, the company claims that the new facility will be built in accordance with sustainability standards, particularly in the areas of water and emission management.

The plant would feature a modern wastewater treatment system that would recycle the water used on-site.

It will also feature efficiency processing equipment, lighting and building components to optimise energy consumption, as well a mechanism in place to recover heat from cleaning water and building ventilation.

Firmenich China and Global Ingredients president Boet Brinkgreve said: "By significantly increasing our flavour production capacity in China, we are accelerating our customers’ access to our flavour solutions.

“This cutting-edge plant is designed to not only increase our operational efficiency, but also to optimise our environmental footprint.”

For more than two decades, Firmenich has been doing business in China.

The new site expected to open in 2019, complementing the existing manufacturing facilities in Shanghai and Kunming.

In order to provide services in China, Firmenich also operates a research and development facility in Shanghai and has established commercial offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.