Resubelpara, July 30: After three decades of waiting, Mendipathar in North Garo Hills witnessed its biggest investment with the inauguration of the Northeast’s largest bottling plant by Varun Beverages Limited (PepsiCo).
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the ₹340-crore facility, spread over 37 acres, marking the first major industry in the Mendipathar Industrial Area since it was conceptualised in the 1990s.
The plant will employ close to 500 people for the production and distribution of PepsiCo beverages, including fruit-based juices.
The launch marks a key milestone in Varun Beverages Limited’s continued operational expansion and its efforts to strengthen supply chain capabilities in India’s northeastern region.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Sangma said the project fulfilled the vision of the late P.A. Sangma, who had envisioned Mendipathar as a growth engine for Garo Hills but was disappointed that no industry had come up there for over three decades.
“In the last 30 years, no unit came up. There was hope and expectation, which never got fulfilled.
Today is a day of hope and fulfilment of that vision,” the Chief Minister said, thanking the local Nokmas and residents for donating land for the industrial area nearly 30 years ago.
Terming the inauguration a “blessing,” Sangma said the project would not only provide employment but also create ancillary opportunities. “The staff and managers of the plant will require accommodation and daily services, which locals can provide. This will slowly lead to the opening of different entities,” he said.
The Chief Minister further informed that another major plant is nearing completion in the Tikrikilla-Bajengdoba area, with 90 per cent of the work already done.
Varun Beverages Limited chairman Ravikant Jaipuria and Varun Jaipuria were credited for the timely execution of the project, which was completed in 11 months.
“Ravikant ji is a visionary and dynamic person. He set the target of 9 months to complete the project, but it was completed in 11 months, he was upset. He believes in executing in a time-based manner. He has operations of Varun Beverages across Asia and Africa” Sangma said.
The new plant is expected to streamline logistics, enhance distribution, and bolster market presence in underserved and high-potential northeastern markets.
The move forms part of the company’s broader strategy to improve operational efficiency and expand capacity in key growth areas.
The inaugural event was attended by Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira, Power Minister A.T. Mondal, PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, MIDC Chairman James K. Sangma, and several MLAs.
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