Three leading international dairy plant manufacturers are in contention for a multi-million dollar contract to supply the central processing plant for the new Mazoon Dairy project under construction in Al Sinaina in Buraimi Governorate, said a report.

In the race for the prestigious contract are Tetra Pak of Switzerland, SPX Flow of the US, and GEA of Germany, added the Oman Daily Observer report.

State-backed Mazoon Dairy’s decision to tap only reputable, world-leading suppliers for the contract — the centrepiece of its RO100 million ($259.7 million) investment — underscores its commitment to delivering a world-class dairy farm venture for the sultanate, according to experts.

Bids for the package, covering the design, manufacture, supply and installation of end to end systems that make up the central processing plant, are currently under evaluation, revealed project officials.

Plant capacity is envisioned at 360,000 litres per day in Phase 1 to be achieved over a four-year time, it added.

The plant will be equipped for the processing of fresh milk and processed dairy products, including fresh laban, yoghurts, cheeses, and ice-creams, along with fresh juices and drinks.

In Phase 2, plant capacity will be incrementally ramped up to 760,000 litres per day over a further six-year timeframe, added the report.