Finnish food and beverage company Paulig is planning to increase its tortillas production capacity by constructing a new manufacturing unit in Roeselare, Belgium with an investment of €45m ($53m).

The facility, built adjacent to its existing facility, is expected to increase Paulig’s innovation capabilities, with scheduled completion in mid-2022.

Paulig CEO Rolf Ladau said: “This investment marks an important step in the execution of our international growth strategy. It is the biggest investment Paulig has made outside Finland and will strengthen our leading position in the Tex Mex category in Europe.

“Tex Mex is currently one of the fastest-growing categories within the food & beverage sector. It’s convenient, tasty and highly customisable, all of which are highly relevant for the consumers today.

“You can try out new flavours with tacos and tortillas and use vegetables and plant-based proteins, among others, as their toppings. I think that is what makes Tex Mex food so popular.”

based in Helsinki, Finland, Paulig operates four manufacturing units across Europe engaged in the production Tex Mex cuisine products.

Paulig Supply Chain and Sourcing senior vice-president Thomas Panteli said: “We are planning to start up the new factory in spring 2022. I believe that the investment is also important for the Roeselare area wher we already employ about 700 people and will recruit many more in the coming years.