Chinese-owned SBS Zipper Bangladesh Co Ltd has started commercial operations at the BEPZA Economic Zone-01 in Mirsharai, Chattogram, with plans to employ more than 2,000 local people once its factory reaches full capacity.

The company formally inaugurated its operations on Tuesday, having invested US$15.51 million against a proposed investment of US$19.97 million, according to a press release.

The factory, established on six industrial plots, manufactures various types of zippers, zipper components, plastic buttons and related accessories.

It currently employs 140 Bangladeshi workers. The company expects to expand its workforce to over 2,000 as operations reach full scale.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the SBS Zipper Group chairman, international buyers, senior company officials and other guests.

Abdullah Al Mahbub, executive director of BEPZA Economic Zone-01, attended the ceremony and congratulated the company on the launch of commercial production.

The development comes as the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) continues to attract investment in the economic zone in Mirsharai.

BEPZA Economic Zone-01 has allotted 263 of its 279 industrial plots and one six-storey factory building to 47 enterprises, according to the company statement.

Of these enterprises, 14 are currently in commercial production, while factory construction is underway at 17 others. Several more enterprises are expected to begin operations soon.

The launch of SBS Zipper Bangladesh adds to the zone’s export-oriented industrial activities, with the investment expected to contribute to employment generation and foreign direct investment in the country.