Parle shuts iconic Vile Parle factory after 90 years

The owners of Parle Products have decided to shut down the iconic Vile Parle plant 90 years after they started operations there. The owners said that production at the plant, which at one time accounted for the highest volume, wasn't viable anymore. 

Arup Chauhan, Parle Products executive director, told Times of India, that it didn't make "commercial sense" anymore to manufacture the world's largest selling biscuits there. There was negligible production at the time of closure, he added. 

While it may come as a surprise to most, the process has been gradual. Over the years, the company had reduced production at the plant, shutting it down completely about two months back, the report said. 

The fragrance of freshly baked Parle-G biscuits was safe haven for many around the premises and even those crossing the vicinity by the local trains. 

The TOI report said that at the time of shutting production, there were about 300 workers at the factory, which also doubles up as the Parle headquarters, and they all accepted the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). 

However, the owners of the biscuits are expected to retain the land.