Nestle announced that it would make an investment of Rs 230 crore to establish its initial research and development (R&D) centre in the country at Manesar in neighboring Gurgaon region.

FMCG major stated that the R&D facility will become functional by July 2012.

The R&D plant, which is Nestle's 30th such facility internationally, will smooth the progress of modernization across different sections such as cereals, culinary, beverages and dairy products, among others.

Klaus Zimmermann, global head (R&D), said, "The new centre will focus on popularly positioned products, especially for India and also for markets worldwide. It will allow us to offer to consumers here and beyond the choice of tasty, healthy, and nutritious products."

"Research on traditional Indian ingredients will also be an important part of R&D India's scientific programme. This will include work on Indian spices, milk and locally grown cereals," Klaus added.

At first, the novel facility will have around 40 researchers and technologists.

The new r&d plant, Nestle R&D India, will be completely incorporated with the company's international R&D system, and work directly with centres based in Germany, Switzerland, Singapore and Marysville (US).

Nestle, which makes well-known products like Maggi noodles, Nescafe and KitKat chocolates, has been concentrating on indigenization of its products in the Indian market.

Nestle has been in the country since 1912.

The company has 7 manufacturing plants in India and registered Rs 5,222 crore in sales in 2009.