New, energy efficient industrial bakery to start production of prebaked rolls in low-oxygen packaging
Lommel, 12 November 2010.
Harvest Time Bakeries, the new industrial bakery, will open its doors today. Initiated by Erwin de Vos and Frank Visscher, Harvest Time Bakeries will focus on manufacturing prebaked bread in low-oxygen packaging. The setup of this new energy efficient factory located in Lommel involved a total investment of EUR 19 million. Venture capital was supplied by the initiators, LRM, LRM’s subsidiary ARKiv and two business angels.
Mixed rolls
The market for “bake-off” products is characterised by a huge need for high quality rolls packed as a mix of various types. The new bakery aims at satisfying that need. The assortment will include rolls for the catering industry, French rolls, Kaiser rolls, ciabatta rolls, paninis, etc. The new company will also cater for the increasing demand for low-salt and/or non-allergenic products, as well as products with added vitamins or omega-3.
Initiative
Following the earlier mentioned market need, Edwin de Vos and Frank Visscher decided to establish a new industrial bakery.
Edwin de Vos can look back on a rich past in the bakery sector. For more than 15 years he has held several positions in various industrial bread and pastry bakeries in the Netherlands.
Frank Visscher has been an independent consultant in the field of production automation and project management for quite some time now. Before that, he led various automation/robotisation projects around the world.
To acquire the necessary financial resources for their company, the initiators turned to LRM, its ARKiv subsidiary and two business angels who will provide a combined financial injection of EUR 5.5 million.
The remainder of the investment budget will be supplied by bank loans.
Initially the company will focus on the retail sector in Belgium and its neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, sixteen staff have joined Harvest Time Bakeries. The company expects to employ about forty people in due time.
“Green” rolls
Industrial bakeries consume huge amounts of energy. To meet that energy demand the company integrated combined heat and power (CHP) into the production process from the start. The CHP unit represents a small-scale power plant that provides the factory with the required energy. The heat released during electricity production can be immediately integrated into the manufacturing process. As a result the factory boasts a highly efficient and environmentally friendly energy consumption balance.
A thorough pre-investigation almost automatically led to the city of Lommel for the establishment of the company due to its excellent infrastructure, extensive space and focus on 'green' industries.
Harvest Time Bakeries’ ideas on energy consumption and environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures seamlessly match the city’s vision. Cooperation with the city council and its services has been nothing but pleasant.
About Harvest Time Bakeries
Harvest Time Bakeries – the innovative, young and dynamic baker. The right choice to suit all of your needs in the bake-off segment. Harvest Time Bakeries will aim at the European market with a focus on Belgium and its neighbouring countries.
About Lommel
Under the flag of « pure energy », the city of Lommel is a trendsetter in the area of alternative energy and saving energy. Currently home to a number of remarkable,
« green » companies such as BioEnergy, Hansen Transmissions and Comac Solar, it already obtains green energy from the sun, the wind and fermentation. With the establishment of Harvest Time Bakeries it can now add cogeneration to the list.
www.lommel.be
About LRM
LRM is a profit-driven investor that offers entrepreneurs a unique combination of venture capital and real estate. LRM's activities contribute to the economic development and the general employment in Belgian Limburg. LRM is oriented towards all sectors and companies, from start-ups over growing SMEs to large enterprises. Today, LRM is active in five domains: ICT & Media, Life Sciences, Cleantech & Energy, SMEs & Large enterprises.
www.lrm.be
For further information, please contact
Harvest Time Bakeries
Erwin de Vos
Managing Director
M +32 474 69 91 64
E info@harvesttimebakeries.com
LRM
Jeffrey Alenus
Commercial Director
T +32 11 24 68 19
M +32 475 93 03 61
E j.alenus@lrm.be
Lommel
Peter Vanvelthoven
Mayor
T +32 476 900040
E peter.vanvelthoven@lommel.be