Japan: Asahi Breweries Ltd., plans to invest 240 billion yen over the next 10 years

Japan's biggest brewer, Asahi Breweries Ltd., plans to invest 240 billion yen ($2.1 billion) in a range of projects, including one to renew production facilities for its key beer, Super Dry, during a 10-year period from 2006, Kyodo News cited Asahi officials on January 11.

Super Dry sales account for nearly half of the brewer's consolidated annual sales. According to the plan, the company will spend around 100 billion yen to renew production facilities at its nine Super Dry breweries across Japan, the officials said.

In addition, the brewer will invest 30 billion yen into energy-saving facilities, including a cogeneration system that burns natural gas.