(Yicai) Dec. 16 -- Shares in Eastroc Beverage climbed as much as 2.4 percent today after the Chinese energy and electrolyte drink manufacturer said it plans to invest up to USD200 million to build a factory in Indonesia to meet growing demand for high-standard soft drinks among consumers in Southeast Asian countries.

Eastroc’s share price [SHA:605499] closed down 0.2 percent at CNY250.56 (USD34). Earlier in the day it hit CNY257.35. Last Friday, its stock reached a historical high of CNY258.47 (USD35.50) during the day.

Eastroc plans to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Indonesia that will engage in the production and sales of soft drinks, the Shenzhen-based company said on Dec. 13. No further details about the factory’s location, annual capacity nor the type of product were given.

An investment plan is being drawn up, said Eastroc, which makes a wide range of drinks including coffee and teas. The project still requires approval from regulatory authorities in both China and Indonesia, it added.

A strong marketing drive saw sales of Eastroc’s main product, Dongpeng Special Drink, surge 33.4 percent in the first half from the same period last year to CNY6.8 billion (USD942 million), accounting for 87.1 percent of total revenue, according to the firm's half-yearly report.

Editor: Kim Taylor