SUZHOU, CHINA — Kraft Foods (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., part of Mondel?z International, on June 13 broke ground on an $85 million expansion at its cookie plant in Suzhou. The 98,000-square-foot expansion project will more than double the plant’s current capacity and create 340 new jobs.

Mondel?z said the expanded plant will include new production lines for Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, and it fits the company’s strategy of investing in emerging markets to drive sustainable, profitable growth.

“We deeply appreciate the Suzhou government’s help and support for Kraft Foods China and this project,” said Shawn Warren, president of Kraft Foods China. “Since the introduction of Oreo and Chips Ahoy! to China in 1996, the country has become our second-largest market for these brands globally, after the United States, due to our consistent focus on quality, innovation and marketing. After this project is completed, the expanded plant will be a model in our global supply chain network.”

Mondel?z International currently operates two manufacturing plants and a regional biscuit research and development center in Suzhou.