VEVEY, SWITZERLAND — Nestle S.A. has reaffirmed its commitment to growing in the Middle East with the onset of production at a new $136 million manufacturing facility in Dubai. Nestle said the plant will serve as the feeder base for its ever-widening interests in Africa and the rest of the Middle East. It also is the company’s third largest manufacturing facility for Kit Kat.

“Nestle has been present in the Middle East for 75 years, bringing meaningful value to society at large by sourcing locally, creating new local employment, offering nutritious products and helping in the further development of the region,” said Paul Bulcke, chief executive officer at Nestle. “By opening our new facility in Dubai — our regional headquarters — we will be closer to our consumers in the region and can better adapt our products to their needs and preferences. The Middle East region is a very important part of our Nestle business and our continued commitment and ongoing investments demonstrate our confidence in the region.”

Located in TechnoPark, the 515,000-square-foot facility will produce many Nestle brands, including Kit Kat chocolate, Nido powdered milk and Nestle Pure Life bottled water.