Mowi to build automated plant on French blaze site
Mowi is to spend €42 million on building a highly automated and modern smokehouse on the site of a French processing plant destroyed by fire in July last year, and on associated industrial and social reorganisation.
The company has also announced that the next launch of its MOWI-branded products – which is happening on a country-by-country basis - will take place in France.
Almost all of the facilities at the Kritsen factory for smoked products in Landivisiau, Brittany were destroyed in the blaze, including the 7,000m² production section.
Slicing equipment
Some of the work carried out by Kritsen was taken on by Mowi Scotland’s processing plant at Rosyth, which had to buy new slicing equipment to accommodate the particular demands of French consumers.
The Rosyth team also worked with some of the staff from Kritsen on product development, resulting in 18 different products for seven retailers
In a market announcement, Mowi said France is one of the biggest salmon markets globally and its decision ensured the continuation of Kritsen's and Mowi's long tradition of producing high-quality smoked products in the country.
It added: “France is also one of the most sophisticated markets with a wide range of premium products, and the high-end market for smoked salmon in France continues to grow, led by branded products. Therefore, the Board has decided that the next launch of the MOWI brand will take place in France.
3,000 tonnes per year
“In relation to the rebuilding of Kritsen, Mowi will record a restructuring provision for industrial and social reorganisation of approximately €19 million. Capital expenditures for the new factory are estimated to €23 million. Expected insurance refunds amount to approximately €17 million.”
The construction of the plant will begin at the end of 2019 and the first smoked salmon will be produced at the beginning of 2021. The volumes produced will be 2,000 tonnes per year at the time of the launch in January 2021 to reach 3,000 tonnes in January 2022. This will lead to the retention of 166 jobs.
“Thanks to this modern and efficient plant, we will be able to respond to the basic trends of the French smoked salmon market and meet the expectations of consumers who increasingly prefer products of superior quality, while offering the best industrial standards, from farming to distribution”, said Fabrice Barreau, managing director of Mowi Western Europe.
