JT International Asia Manufacturing Corp. (JTI-AMC) is investing an additional P2.1 billion in advanced technologies at its Batangas manufacturing facility, including the company’s first Dry Ice Expanded Tobacco (DIET) plant in Southeast Asia.

The investment at Aboitiz Economic Estate’s LIMA Estate in Malvar includes about P1.9 billion for the DIET facility and more than P177 million to expand JTI-AMC’s Controlled Atmosphere (CA) treatment facility, which became operational in July and has doubled its treatment capacity.

The new technologies strengthen the company’s raw material treatment and tobacco-processing capabilities at what JTI describes as its primary manufacturing hub for Asia.

“This fresh investments reflect our confidence in the Philippines, its economic potential and its importance to JTI’s operations,” said Amir Vajdi, JTI-AMC Factory Lead, Philippines.

The DIET facility uses an advanced process that expands tobacco to improve the preparation and use of raw materials in manufacturing. JTI said the technology is designed to support greater consistency and efficiency in processing.