Danone, a leading French dairy product company, has launched production lines in Muju, North Jeolla Province.

In particular, French soccer hero Zinedine Zidane graced the launching ceremony as Danone’s honorary ambassador.

Over 1,000 people including French Ambassador Elisabeth Raurin, North Jeolla Governor Kim Wan-ju, Muju County Governor Hong Nak-pyo, Danone Group Chairman Frank Riboud, and Muju residents attended the opening ceremony, which included opening speech, tape-cutting, hand-printing, and factory tour.

Chairman Riboud said, “I expect that the Danone Korea Muju plant would enhance the image of Danone in the Asian market including Korea, and make great contribution to expanding business and turning profits.”

In return, Muju County Governor Hong Nak-pyo said, “Muju hopes that the plant would facilitate regional economic development by creating jobs and bringing more people, foreign investment, and value added.” Danone Korea broke ground for the Muju plant in April last year.

The plant, furbished with production lines, green zone, and auxiliary facilities, has producing four types of yogurt.

As of October now, the plant is consuming 10 tons of crude oil, and is expected to spend 100,000 tons of oil on an annual basis starting from 2012, when it will be fully operational.

Source: Yonhap News (November 30, 2009)

** This is an English translation of a Korean news article.