A spokesperson for the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) said today (November 9) that the Re-industrialisation Funding Scheme (RFS) had approved funding of $15 million for a project to implement a new smart production line for the production of instant noodle products in Hong Kong by a local food manufacturer, Nissin Foods Company Limited, to support the food manufacturing and processing industry to set up new smart production lines in Hong Kong. The new smart production line will be set up in Tai Po Industrial Estate.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the funding agreement, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Ms Rebecca Pun, said, "We are glad that the well-known food group, Nissin Foods Company Limited, will set up a new smart production line for instant noodles in Hong Kong through adoption of smart technologies. Since the launch of the RFS, about half of the applications were from the food manufacturing and processing industry, testifying to the huge potential the industry enjoys in moving towards re-industrialisation in Hong Kong. We will continue to support smart production and re-industrialisation of the local food manufacturing and processing industry, strengthening the 'Made in Hong Kong' brand."
The approved total project cost is about $54 million and the manufacturer will contribute about $39 million. The project will adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and smart elements including automation, robotics and smart sensors, to set up a new smart production line to fully automate the production of instant noodles, enhancing production efficiency and capacity.
The RFS provides funding on a 1 (Government): 2 (company) matching basis to subsidise manufacturers to establish smart production lines in Hong Kong. The funding ceiling is one-third of the total project cost or $15 million, whichever is lower. Since the launch of the RFS in July last year, the ITC has received 27 applications. Among the 18 applications assessed by the RFS Vetting Committee, 16 were supported in principle, covering industries such as biotechnology, food manufacturing and processing, construction, printing, medical devices and nanofiber materials. The total funding amount is about $108 million.
The RFS is open for application throughout the year. Details are available at the Innovation and Technology Fund website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/facilitating-technology/rfs). For enquiries, please contact the RFS Secretariat (tel: 3655 5678; email: rfs-enquiry@itc.gov.hk).
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