If you follow Bring Consulting, you already know that Bahia has established itself as a strategic hub for foreign investment. In recent years, several multinationals have chosen the state to expand their operations, boosting vital economic sectors such as industry, energy and agribusiness. In this week's article, we highlight some of the main foreign investments in Bahia.
1. Nestlé (Switzerland)
Sector: Food and beverages
Year of investment: Ongoing operations with recent expansions
Typology: Capacity expansion
Initially located in Itabuna, Bahia, Nestlé decided to transfer its factory to Feira de Santana, also in Bahia, with the aim of transforming the unit into a distribution center for the North and Northeast regions of the country. The factory produces a wide range of food and beverages, and continued investments have reinforced its relevance in the state's industrial sector.
2. Ford Motor Company (United States)
Sector: Automotive
Year of investment: 2001
Typology: Greenfield (assembly plant)
Ford made a significant investment in the construction of its industrial plant in Camaçari, which not only consolidated its presence in Brazil but also boosted the industrialization of the region. After ceasing operations as an assembly plant in Brazil in 2021, Ford reached an agreement with the government of Bahia to return the unit to the state, allowing the area to be reused for new development projects.
3. Siemens (Germany)
Sector: Energy
Year of investment: 2022
Typology: Expansion of operations
Siemens, Europe's largest industrial conglomerate, expanded its operations in Bahia in 2022, especially in the renewable energy sector, aligning itself with global sustainability goals and strengthening the state's energy infrastructure.
4. Bunge (United States)
Sector: Agribusiness
Year of investment: 2021
Type: Joint Venture
Bunge, a global leader in the supply of food and animal nutrition ingredients, has a strong presence in Bahia, especially in the processing of grains and oilseeds. The company announced that it plans to invest at least R$1.4 billion in three years and plans to expand R$1.4 billion in its regenerative agriculture program in Brazil.
5. Unilever (UK/Netherlands)
Sector: Consumer goods
Year of investment: 2020
Typology: Expansion of operations
Unilever, a British multinational consumer goods company, has expanded its plant in Bahia, increasing production of personal care products and food, reinforcing the state's role as a production hub for the Brazilian market.
These investments underscore Bahia’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign capital, with a direct impact on job creation, infrastructure development and technological innovation. By strengthening strategic sectors, these companies are shaping the state’s economic future and, of course, creating a favorable environment for sustainable and inclusive growth.
