Due to positive business developments CFS will build a new factory for peeling, slicing, loading / automation and traysealing equipment in Kempten, Germany and make major investments in upgrading the existing factory for packaging materials in Kempten, Germany. These investments are part of the implementation of CFS’ more customer focussed organisation, which was announced earlier in April.

CFS makes a double digit Million Euro investment to build a brand new purpose-built factory in Buehl, a suburb of Kempten in Bavaria, Germany and in upgrading the existing factory in Kempten, which will then be exclusively dedicated to the production of packaging materials. This investment decision is a consequence of the very positive business development of CFS, especially in the area of slicing, loading / automation and traysealing equipment, as well as packaging materials

The new factory in Buehl, Kempten:
A plot of 20,000 square metres with an option for further expansion has been bought. The new factory will have a production floor-space of 6,600 square metres with a further 2,200 square metres for offices. Some 240 employees will work here to produce peeling, slicing, loading / automation and traysealing equipment. CFS expects the new factory in Bühl to be completed by September 2006.

The existing factory in Kempten:
Once the new factory is complete, the existing factory in Kempten will exclusively manufacture packaging materials, with focus on 3D shrink bags, shrink / skin / lidding films and CFS’s rigid PP based eXbase and C-base structures. CFS will make major investments in the infrastructure as well as the production equipment of this factory to make it a state-of-the-art packaging materials production facility.

Packaging Systems
CFS is the only supplier in the world that combines the production of packaging equipment as well as packaging materials. This allows CFS to tailormake the equipment and/or materials to satisfy the customers’ needs for a perfect complete packaging solution. The investments taking place will enable CFS to develop this unique concept even further to the benefit of our customers on a global base.

When asked about the impact of the investments on the customers of CFS, John-Ole Hansen, President & CEO of CFS says: “With the investment in these two factories, we will assist our customers in the global food processing industry to improve their performance with state-of-the-art slicing & packaging equipment and packaging materials”. Hans Schwaebe, Site Manager Kempten and Bühl adds: “The positive business development combined with the flexible attitude of our local employees allow us to make these major investments. This enables us to offer the best of both worlds, first class employees with a high skill level and perfectly equipped factories, which are competitive on a global scale”.

For more press information, please contact Anja Bekkers, Phone: +31 492 349 349, Fax: +31 492 344 011, E-mail:Anja.Bekkers@cfs.com

Innovative complete solutions
CFS is a world-leading supplier of preparation, marination, further processing, slicing and packaging solutions, primarily for the meat, poultry, fish, seafood and cheese industries. This global organisation offers the most extensive range of advanced solutions on the market today – from a single machine or packaging material to a complete production line. Innovative complete solutions are also available especially for the specific needs of producers of Ready Meals, Meal Components, Case Ready and Sliced Products.