St. Xavier’s College Students Explore Nestlé India’s Bicholim Plant

In a bid to bridge the gap between academia and industry, a group of 27 students from St. Xavier’s College embarked on an educational excursion to Nestlé India’s Bicholim plant. This industrial visit, coordinated by Mr. Mahesh Nair under the mentorship of Ms. Kathleen Pinto, Head of Department, provided students with a firsthand look at the inner workings of a renowned food manufacturing facility.

The visit, which took place on March 8, 2025, offered students from the FYBSc Chemistry Major program a comprehensive understanding of Nestlé’s manufacturing units across India. The students gained valuable insights into various production processes, including:

• Raw Material Preparation: Students learned about the sourcing and preparation of raw materials used in Nestlé’s products.
• Batch Mixing and Pasteurization: The students witnessed the batch mixing and pasteurization processes, which ensure the quality and safety of Nestlé’s products.
• Bottling and Packaging: The visit showcased the high-speed bottling and packaging lines, demonstrating the efficiency and precision of Nestlé’s manufacturing processes.
• Quality Control Measures: Students learned about the stringent quality control measures in place, including sensor checks and safety protocols, to ensure the highest standards of product quality.

One of the highlights of the tour was the plant’s partial automation, with certain manufacturing lines operated exclusively by robots. The students were also impressed by the separate production lines and packaging facilities for products destined for export to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.

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The visit concluded with a feedback session, where students shared their experiences and gained valuable insights from the plant officials. As a token of appreciation, each participant received a gift bag, commemorating their visit to Nestlé India’s Bicholim plant.

The industrial visit to Nestlé India’s Bicholim plant provided St. Xavier’s College students with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The visit not only deepened their understanding of food manufacturing processes but also instilled in them a sense of wonder and awe at the scale and complexity of industrial operations.