Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a move to bridge the gap between academia and industry, a group of 27 students from St. Xavier’s College embarked on a field visit to Nestlé India’s Bicholim plant. This educational excursion, coordinated by Mr. Mahesh Nair under the mentorship of Ms. Kathleen Pinto, Head of Department, not only provided students with a firsthand look at industrial operations but also left them with unforgettable memories. The visit culminated in a generous gesture by the plant officials, who treated the students to freshly cooked Maggi noodles, making the experience even more memorable.
On March 8, 2025, the students from the FYBSc Chemistry Major program gained comprehensive insights into Nestlé’s manufacturing units across India. The visit offered a practical understanding of various production processes, including the preparation of raw materials, batch mixing, pasteurization, bottling, safety checks, packaging, and palletization. The plant’s partial automation, with certain manufacturing lines operated exclusively by robots, was a highlight of the tour. Additionally, students learned about 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.
The quality control measures and sensor checks conducted during different stages of manufacturing were also explained through special facilities within the plant area. Students expressed amazement at the scale and speed of food manufacturing, witnessing how large quantities of food could be prepared and packaged in mere minutes. The visit concluded with a feedback session, where students shared their experiences, and each participant received a gift bag as a token of appreciation.
