New Zealand-based dairy company Fonterra has re-opened its milk powder manufacturing plant Susumas in Malaysia after carrying out upgrades.

The facility now features an enhanced layout and a new blending machine, The Star reported.

Established in 1992 to address the growing demand for the company’s products in the region, the site covers 17,404m² of land and is engaged in the production of 30,000 metric tonnes of milk powder on an annual basis.

Maori Development Minister and Associate Minister for Economic Development Te Ururoa Flavell said: “We have strong ties with Malaysia in trade, education, security, defence, and tourism and we want to build on that.

“As such this mission has a specific focus on establishing relationships in the food and beverage sector.

"We have strong ties with Malaysia in trade, education, security, defence, and tourism."

“The Maori economy is open for business and a good provider of the high-value products that Malaysians seek.”

Milk is imported by the company from New Zealand. It is mixed and blended for many of its brands including Anlene, Anmum Essentials, Anmum Lacta, Anmum Materna, Fernleaf, and Anchor.

The products are supplied to around 20,000 local retail outlets and exported to 13 countries worldwide.

Flavell further added: “Fonterra has a 40-year presence and history in Malaysia and is an example of a successful New Zealand business using Malaysia as a regional hub.”