Kolkata-based FMCG major Emami has informed that it is searching the options to build a manufacturing facility in Africa, with the aim to bolster its hold in the ontinent.

According to the sources, the conglomerate is mulling to pump around Rs 90 crore for the proposed facility which is expected to be functional by fiscal 2010.

While lecturing on the facility, Mr. Prashant Goenka, Emami Director International Marketing Division stated, "We are having a very good response from the African market in the last three years. Our products are doing well there. So we are setting up a manufacturing base in Africa in the next 18 months in order to enhance our business there."
The company revealed that the facility would be set up in the Common Market For Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) belt, which offers duty exemption.

COMESA comprises portions of North Africa, East Africa and Central Africa.

According to the reports, the new facility would manufacture Emami skincare products as well as its OTC products, which are marketed under the brand 'Himani'.