A groundbreaking ceremony for the Baizhen-Hema smart factory project is held in Hai'an, Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

On Nov 16, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Baizhen-Hema smart factory was held in Hai'an. The factory marks the second major project within the Hema Food Smart Industrial Park and has a total investment of 300 million yuan ($41.4 million).

Once completed, it is expected to produce 40 million portions of noodles annually, significantly enhancing the city's agricultural product processing chain.

In 2023, the Hema Food Smart Industrial Park was launched. In June, construction began on its first project, a dairy products facility, filling a gap in Hai'an's high-quality dairy processing market.

Li Jinxiang, executive vice-president of the China Association of Rural Development, highlighted the collaboration between Baizhentang and Hema as a model of innovation. Their joint venture to establish a smart factory for pre-made foods adds momentum to the industry's standardization, digitalization, and internationalization. The project aims to provide consumers with convenient, healthy, and diverse meal options while promoting Chinese cuisine and culture globally. 

Following the ceremony, attendees visited Hai'an's Agricultural Demonstration and Experience Exchange Center, where over 20 local specialty products were showcased. Hai'an rice, known for its plump grains and fragrant aroma, received widespread acclaim. Other highlights included rapeseed and soybean oils, as well as flaxseed oil, which caught visitors' attention with its unique flavor and nutritional benefits.