Lactalis Invests €9m in Modernizing Czech Dessert Plant

French dairy company Lactalis is committing €9 million ($10.5 million) to improve its dessert production facility in Ostrava, Czechia. The investment is set to upgrade production processes, automate logistics, and modify the plant's energy supply systems. A new production line for Termix, described by Lactalis as the leading brand in the Czech dairy-desserts market, is part of the project. This line is anticipated to be operational by November.

Additionally, Lactalis is replacing its coal-based steam supply with a new natural-gas steam boiler. The work on this boiler has already begun and is projected to complete by 2027. Plans also include constructing a new warehouse for packaging materials and gradually implementing autonomous guided vehicles at its distribution center, with an expected completion date of 2028.

A Lactalis spokesperson stated, "These investments reflect our confidence in the growth potential of the Czech market and our commitment to continuing the modernization of our industrial facilities. They will also help improve our environmental performance, operational flexibility and the quality of service we provide to our customers and consumers."

The Ostrava plant, part of Lactalis since 2007, produces yogurts, dairy desserts, fresh products, and dairy specialties. It caters not only to the Czech market but also to several other Central European countries and additional export destinations.

In related developments, Lactalis announced last month a €50 million investment in quark production at its German site in Neuburg, Bavaria. This facility aims to produce approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of quark and 104,000 metric tonnes of whey by 2030, with the plant's total annual production expected to reach around 308,000 metric tonnes. Lactalis has six operational sites in Germany, employing about 1,300 staff.