Chandigarh, October 11, 2025 — In a major industrial breakthrough for Punjab, Japanese packaging giant Toppan Films is investing ₹788 crore to expand its manufacturing operations in Nawanshahr district, marking one of the largest foreign investments in the state’s recent history.
Over the past few weeks, the once-quiet industrial area of Nawanshahr has witnessed unusual activity—heavy machinery arriving, teams of engineers at work, and renewed enthusiasm among the local youth. The expansion, officials said, reflects Punjab’s growing reputation as a destination for high-tech, eco-friendly manufacturing.
Founded in the late 19th century, Toppan Films is a global leader in producing advanced packaging materials for food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. The company’s ultra-thin, high-strength, and recyclable films are used in chocolate wrappers, medicine strips, and mobile component packaging across the world.
Toppan currently operates in Nawanshahr through a partnership with Max Specialty Films. The fresh ₹788 crore investment will significantly expand the existing facility, introducing new Japanese machinery and technology to produce barrier films for food items, pharma-grade films, and anti-static packaging for electronics.
According to officials, the project will directly employ 2,000–3,000 people, including engineers, technicians, and management professionals, while creating several thousand more indirect jobs in sectors such as logistics, transport, food services, and raw material supply.
“This project is a blessing for local youth,” said Rajeev, an engineer from Nawanshahr who recently joined the plant. “I was planning to move to Gurugram for work, but now I have a great opportunity right here in my hometown.”
The Punjab government has worked closely with Toppan to facilitate the project, offering investor-friendly policies, Special Economic Zone (SEZ) benefits, and skill development initiatives. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally met Japanese business delegations to promote the state’s industrial potential.
Under a joint program, Japanese experts will train local engineers in modern packaging technologies. Selected employees will also be sent to Japan for advanced training before returning to share knowledge with their peers—creating a long-term “knowledge transfer” pipeline between the two countries.
Officials said the factory’s products will not only cater to India’s domestic market but will also be exported worldwide, carrying the “Made in Punjab” label to global shelves.
Environmental responsibility will be central to the new facility. The packaging films produced will be eco-friendly and recyclable, helping address India’s growing plastic waste challenge.
The company has also pledged to prioritize women’s employment, with dedicated positions for women in quality control, design, and management, as well as on-site childcare facilities to support working mothers.
Encouraged by Toppan’s commitment, the Punjab government now plans to develop Nawanshahr as a ‘Packaging Hub’, hosting ancillary industries that will create a complete ecosystem for the packaging sector.
Officials believe Toppan’s success could trigger a wave of foreign investments in sectors such as automobile, pharma, electronics, and food processing, further strengthening Punjab’s industrial revival.
“This is not just an investment—it’s a transformation,” a senior government official said. “When global companies, the state, and the people work together, development becomes unstoppable.”
The ₹788-crore Toppan project, once operational, is expected to become a symbol of Punjab’s new industrial era—one driven by sustainability, skilled youth, and global partnerships.
