Marudai Food sets up sausage plant in Thailand

OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Marudai Food Co. said Friday it has set up a new plant in Thailand for sausage and ham production jointly with local food maker Betagro Public Co.

The Thai plant with annual production capacity of 9,600 tons has become the second overseas production base for the Osaka-based food maker, following one in Shandong Province in China. A joint venture set up by Marudai and Betagro operates the Thai plant.

Marudai said it has had a tie-up with Betagro in sausage production since 2005 and hopes the new plant will help boost sales and offer a wider variety of food items.