KUALA LUMPUR: DXN Holdings Bhd, a Bursa Malaysia-listed global wellness manufacturer, has broken ground on its new manufacturing facility in Ibia, Brazil, marking a significant step in the group’s continued expansion of its manufacturing footprint across Latin America.
The Brazil facility is being developed on a 100,745 sqm site provided by the Municipality of Ibiá under a conditional land donation arrangement.
Under the Reciprocal Commitment Agreement between DXN Brasil and the Municipality of Ibiá, DXN has committed to investing at least BRL100 million (RM78 million) over five years to establish and develop its manufacturing operations in Ibiá.
Completion is targeted for September 2029, with production expected to start by the end of 2029.
The Brazil facility is expected to become DXN’s largest manufacturing presence in Latin America (LATAM) and serve as the anchor of the group’s regional manufacturing network, supporting the Brazilian market and the demand across the wider LATAM region.
The investment comes as LATAM continues to grow in significance to DXN’s global business.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s Trade Commissioner in Brazil Amirul Azman Ahmad, and Mayor of Ibiá, Minas Gerais Gillianno Mamao, together with DXN Holdings executive director and group CEO Prajith Pavithran.
Prajith said Latin America has become DXN’s core market and remains central to its long-term growth strategy.
He said for the financial year ended Feb 28, 2026, the region contributed 61.2% of the group’s revenue, or RM1.2 billion, supported by an established base of approximately 4.8 million captive consumers, as of July 31, 2026.
“As our business in the region continues to scale, localisation is becoming an increasingly important part of how we serve these markets.
“By manufacturing closer to our markets, we can improve product availability, shorten supply routes and respond more quickly to evolving demand.
“This investment reflects our confidence in Latin America and our commitment to building the capabilities needed to support the region’s long-term growth.
“Once operational, the Brazil facility will provide greater flexibility to develop and introduce products tailored to Brazilian and regional consumer preferences,” he said.
The Brazil facility will source raw materials from DXN’s own agricultural operations and local suppliers, including Arabica coffee beans from its 385-acre plantation in Ibiá.
This strengthens DXN’s vertically integrated model by linking upstream cultivation with manufacturing and improving supply reliability and raw material control.
Mayor of Ibiá, Minas Gerais Gillianno Mamao said DXN has already established a presence through its distribution network, and this investment takes its relationship with Ibiá to a new level.
“The new Brazil facility is expected to create 200 to 250 direct and indirect jobs while generating broader opportunities across our local economy.
“We welcome DXN’s long-term commitment to the city and look forward to continuing our cooperation as the project progresses. Investments of this nature contribute to sustainable industrial development and create opportunities that can benefit Ibiá and its people for many years to come,” he said.
The Brazil facility also reflects stronger commercial ties between Malaysia and Brazil and DXN’s growing engagement with Brazilian stakeholders.
DXN previously entered into a MoUwith Apex Brasil to support the group’s broader investment plans in the country and its efforts to establish a deeper operating presence in Brazil.
Matrade Trade Commissioner to Brazil Amirul Azman Ahmad said DXN’s investment in Brazil reflects the growing internationalisation of Malaysian companies and their capacity to establish long-term operations in major overseas markets.
“The development of a significant manufacturing base in Brazil demonstrates how Malaysian companies can progress beyond exports and distribution towards deeper localisation, manufacturing and integration into regional supply chains.
“Brazil is an important market in its own right and also provides a strategic platform for reaching the wider Latin American region.
“Investments of this nature can contribute to stronger commercial and investment ties between Malaysia and Brazil, while demonstrating the broader opportunities available for Malaysian companies seeking to expand their presence across Latin America,” he said.
The Brazil facility forms part of DXN’s ongoing RM500 million capital expenditure programme, through which the company is expanding manufacturing capacity across multiple regions to support its long-term growth.