Blumberg Grain to start manufacturing and export hub in India

US-based food storage technology provider Blumberg Grain, which is planning to start operations in India in the next one year or so, is keen to establish a manufacturing and export hub for Asia in the country. "Our commitment to India is long-term," says David Blumberg, Chief Executive Officer, West Africa, Blumberg Grain, adding that the company is planning to invest more than $250 million in the country over the next five years in manufacturing facilities, upstream activities such as high-yield farming as well as downstream infrastructure like processing and packaging facilities. Blumberg says the company will source raw materials from India, and help create a knowledge base and supply chain that will have a multiplier effect on local economies.

Blumberg is looking to partner with both the private sector as well as the Indian government in its effort. "We will create greenfield warehouse infrastructure as well as retrofit existing infrastructure for warehousing operators across the country," he says. Developing nations end up losing close to 50 per cent of agricultural produce, which Blumberg claims can be brought down to 5 per cent. "The design of our systems allows warehouses to be erected quickly and specialised for each market they will be located in. Technologies such as vacuum-sealed, organically fumigating bags, and self-generating controlled atmosphere cold rooms ensure products stay in condition."

The company hopes to leverage the experience it has garnered in building warehousing facilities in other developing countries. In Africa, where transport infrastructure in many countries is not well developed, Blumberg designed warehouses that could, in a disassembled form, fit a standard shipping container for easy transportation. Power supply is another issue the company faces in such areas, which it looks to handle through use of renewable technologies.

Blumberg estimates the India manufacturing facility could be up and running in 8-10 months, "after a suitable site and our initial order prerequisites are completed".