New Delhi, Dec. 1: Swiss FMCG major Nestlé will start work on its research and development facility at Manesar by the middle of next year.

The facility is an important step in the company’s plan for brand expansion and launching more India-specific products. The investment of around 50 million Swiss francs will help to strengthen Nestlé’s R&D capabilities in the emerging markets.

“We are opening an R&D facility at Manesar. Bringing out new products is a continuous process and we will definitely do so. The Manesar plant will be our base for developing these products,” said Kumaran Nowuram, general manager of Nestlé India’s dairy business.

The company today announced the rebranding of its milk and yoghurt products as Nestlé a+. “Rebranding is an important step in our expansion plan. Nestlé Milk has a consumer preference. We now want to take it to the next level. Relevant branding is one key element in communicating with consumers,” Nowuram said.