Cargill in Thailand announced its continuing commitment to the country today with investments of more than $70 million over the next two years to address the increase in global demand for seafood and poultry consumption.

The $70 million investments are part of the company’s global innovation strategy to leverage technology in support of the needs of its partners and customers. This includes technology implementation in the poultry supply chain, additional funds for the Technology Application Center targeted at research and development for the aquaculture industry and the expansion of a cooked poultry facility in Nakornratchasima in northeastern Thailand. The company will also upgrade and refurbish an aqua feed production plant located in Petchaburi.

The investment in the poultry business reflects its importance to Cargill, as it makes up nearly 80% of the company’s operations in Thailand, with exports to more than 28 countries.

“These planned investments demonstrate our commitment to the communities and people of Thailand,” Cargill chairman and chief executive officer Dave MacLennan said during his visit for 50th anniversary celebrations in the country. “We appreciate the Thai government’s support of direct foreign investment, which has allowed companies like Cargill to grow with the Thai economy and community over the last 50 years. By investing in technology innovation, we can make our supply chains as efficient and sustainable as possible as we work to nourish those in Thailand and around the world.”

Part of Cargill’s ongoing commitment to Thailand also involves investments in the local community, including efforts to equip more than 1,500 farmers with agricultural technical knowledge and training. The company also works with local partners such as Save the Children Thailand to create nutrition initiatives for school-age children and has been providing clean drinking water stations for schools, continually supporting schools around the company’s facilities and building homes for rural residents.

Cargill has operated in Thailand for 50 years, opening its first office in 1968. The company has invested more than $1.15 billion into its operations to date across various businesses during its expansion and growth through the years and currently has 14 facilities throughout the country, with more than 17,000 employees.