Mexican bakery products manufacturer Grupo Bimbo has opened a production plant and distribution centre in Tenjo, Colombia, with an $86m investment.

The new facility includes four production lines that will manufacture hamburger buns, snacks and puff-pastry buns.

This facility is expected to enhance the company’s existing production capacity. It has created 270 new employment opportunities in the region.

Bimbo Colombia president Fernando López said: “From the beginning of our operations in the country in 1996, the Tenjo municipality and the local people have been very important for the company, since we built our first plant there, Tenjo I.

“20 years later, we continue ratifying our confidence in Colombia and in the region, with the opening of Tenjo II.”

"From the beginning of our operations in the country in 1996, the Tenjo municipality and the local people have been very important for the company."

In order to meet Grupo Bimbo’s sustainability and environmental management practices, the new plant features a wastewater treatment plant, a waste reuse programme and other energy optimisation mechanisms.

Grupo Bimbo chairman and CEO Daniel Servitje said: “The Tenjo II plant is already making Grupo Bimbo very proud, and our commitment is to continue working every day to fulfil the purpose stated in our philosophy: to build a sustainable, highly productive and fully humane company.”

Present across 24 countries in America, Asia, Africa and Europe, Bimbo currently operates strategic business units that include family baked products, sweet baked products and solutions in Colombia.

Last year, the company entered the frozen bread segment following the purchase of Panettiere.