Lactalis announces US$3.2M investment to modernize Medellín facility

COLOMBIA – Lactalis, the prominent French dairy conglomerate, has confirmed plans to invest US$3.2 million in its Medellín facility in Colombia.

This investment is part of a larger US$4.2 million project, set for this year, to modernize the company’s manufacturing capabilities in the country.

The Medellín plant, situated in Antioquia, is a key site for Lactalis, specializing in UHT milk, cream, and dairy desserts. The forthcoming investment will be directed towards enhancing various aspects of the facility.

Key upgrades will include increasing the storage capacity for UHT milk, transitioning to automated machinery for pasteurized dairy products, and updating disinfection and sterilization systems.

Additionally, the plant will replace its carbon-emitting boilers with more eco-friendly gas heating systems.

Lactalis has confirmed that this investment in Medellín is part of a broader strategy, with a total of US$4.2 million allocated for Colombian operations this year. The company also plans to invest an additional US$5.2 million annually across its facilities in the country.

In addition to the Medellín facility, Lactalis operates a powdered milk plant in Cerete, Córdoba, and another plant in Chia, Cundinamarca, which handles chilled dairy products, fresh and powdered milk, and cream.

The company’s product lineup in Colombia includes brands such as Parmalat, Proleche, and the lactose-free Zymil line, as well as private labels. The President and Kraft dairy brands are also imported into the Colombian market.

For the past year, Lactalis reported a turnover of 600 billion pesos (US$148.7 million) in Colombia, with an ambitious goal to increase this figure by 8% in the current year. This growth is expected to be driven by the introduction of new products and a boost in sales of the President brand.

Velásquez underscored the company’s intention to align the Medellín plant with European standards, focusing on improvements in machinery, product quality, and employee training.

This investment reflects Lactalis’ long-term strategic plan to enhance its operational standards and sustainability practices in Colombia, demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding its footprint in the South American market.

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