BANGKOK, THAILAND — Cargill has announced plans to upgrade and refurbish an aquafeed production plant located in Petchaburi, Thailand, part of a planned $70 million in investments set to take place over the next two years to address the increase in global demand for seafood and poultry.

In addition to upgrading the plant, Cargill said it will infuse additional funds into the Technology Application Center for research and development for the aquaculture industry and expand its cooked poultry facility in Nakornratchasima, in Northeastern Thailand.

“These planned investments demonstrate our commitment to the communities and people of Thailand,” said David MacLennan, chairman and chief executive officer of Cargill. “We appreciate the Thai government’s support of direct foreign investment, which has allowed companies like Cargill to grow with the Thai economy and community over the last 50 years. By investing in technology innovation, we can make our supply chains as efficient and sustainable as possible — as we work to nourish those in Thailand and around the world.”

Cargill opened its first office in Thailand in 1968. The company has invested more than $1.15 billion into its operations across the country over the past 50 years and currently has 14 facilities and more than 17,000 employees in the country.