Poland-based food and drinks giant Maspex Group is to invest 650m zlotys ($164,2m) this year across a range of capex projects.

The company is to use the funds to build a new factory, increase production capacity at existing plants and invest in logistics.

Maspex, which owns food brands including Lubella pasta and Lowicz jam, wants to increase its “operational efficiency and flexibility”.

The group is going to build a new factory and expand its headquarters in Wadowice in southern Poland.

Maspex has yet to apply for a construction permit for the project in Wadowice but estimates the move will create “approximately 400 to 500” jobs.

Elsewhere, the company wants to expand existing plants in the Polish cities of Tymbark, Tychy and Oborniki, It is also investing in its site in Vălenii de Munte in Romania.

Maspex has 17 factories across Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

Bogdan Tyrybon, Maspex's supply chain director, said: “The favourable climate for business both in Wadowice and in other locations allows us to continue to invest in production and logistics.

“These steps will allow us to increase our production capacity, expand our offer and better respond to consumer expectations while enabling the provision of comprehensive services to trading partners.”

According to the company, in 2023 its “sales revenues” amounted to over 15 bn zlotys ($3,7bn).

Maspex says it produces 2.2 billion litres of beverages, more than 280,000 tonnes of pasta, cereal and instant products and almost 180,000 tonnes of jams annually.

The company's proudct range also includes brands such as Ekland tea and Tymbark juices. It also carries out private-label manufacturing.