India-based BIC Cello, a writing instruments manufacturer and unit of France’s Société BIC SA, has inaugurated a new factory at Vapi, Gujarat with a commitment of 300 crore rupees ($42 million).

The new plant, which will produce ballpoint pens, gel pens, and mechanical pencils, among others, hires 1,500 people, 70 percent of them women.

BIC Cello said that the facility will act as a development engine for the domestic market and an export hub Societe BIC SA.

The company added that it will focus on offering creative, value-added, high-quality products at an affordable price. BIC Cello intends to infuse more to develop the new Vapi factory.