Nestlé Nespresso has inaugurated a CHF 300 million ($308 million) factory in Romont, Switzerland to satisfy growing world demand for Nespresso coffee and support its expansion plan in North America.

The factory has already created 125 new jobs, and will produce original Nespresso capsules and 14 Grands Crus for the VertuoLine system – launched last year in the U.S. and Canada to address the regional preference for large-cup coffee.

Speaking at the inauguration event in Romont alongside Swiss Federal Councillor in charge of the economy, Johann Schneider-Ammann, Nestlé CEO Paul Bulcke said that the factory was a long-term strategic investment.

“It will contribute not only to the success of Nespresso in the rapidly growing portioned coffee segment, but also to the economic and social dynamism of Switzerland, both locally and regionally,” he said.

Jean-Marc Duvoisin, CEO of Nestlé Nespresso, said that manufacturing VertuoLine capsules at Romont would support plans to expand in North America.

“Driven by innovation, the portioned coffee industry, which represents over USD 5 billion (CHF 4.88 billion), is growing strongly in that region. With VertuoLine, we have the right product to meet increasing demand," said Duvoisin.

Nestlé is committed to improving the resource efficiency of its operations, and Romont is the first Swiss production site to obtain LEED Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which recognizes efforts to improve environmental impact and the well-being of employees.

This certification extends Nestlé Nespresso’s commitments outlined in The Positive Cup, its strategy for sustainable coffee sourcing and consumption.

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