The Gauchy factory was run by Barilla unit Harrys Restauration Bakery firm Gruppo Morato has bought a production site in France from fellow Italian food manufacturer Barilla located in the northern French city of Gauchy was part of the Harrys Restauration business and complex owned by family-run Barilla The cost of the transaction was not disclosed by Gruppo Morato which now has a manufacturing presence in France for the first time Barilla will retain four factories on the same Harrys site Gruppo Morato said the acquired factory will provide additional production capacity to “strengthen” its business in Europe The company now has 16 production facilities with the other 15 located in Italy and Spain The business gained access to a further three plants in Italy last year, when it acquired a majority, yet undisclosed stake CEO Stefano Maza said in a statement: “The acquisition of the Gauchy plant is part of the strategic expansion plan in Europe [It] will allow the group to consolidate its presence in a strategic country not only because of the growth opportunities offered by the domestic market but also because will allow us to strengthen our offer to the countries of Northern Europe.” Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis Barilla confirmed the factory sale with Just Food but did not provide a statement Maza added Gruppo Morato is aiming to increase sales overseas to 50% of its turnover from 40% currently Generating annual revenue in excess of EUR300m (US$323.9m) the company is based in Altavilla Vicentina in northern Italy It also supplies private label and serves B2B customers as well In 2021, Gruppo Morato acquired local bakery business Ro.Mar which produces bread for B2B customers and own label The previous year it also bought gluten-free baker Pandea from Italy’s Granarolo Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation This is your chance to showcase your achievements Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Connect with L'Oréal in your location Take a virtual tour of our Saint-Quentin plant in the Aisne area of France where technological innovation drives L’Oréal’s overall performance while responding to new customer expectations and simplifying our employees’ day-to-day lives In 2020, the Alliance Industrie du Futur awarded the Saint-Quentin plant the “Industry of the Future” label for its forward-looking approach incorporating high-tech technologies and a people-focused strategy This independent French label recognizes the teams’ digital-driven innovation in safety Director of L’Oréal's Saint-Quentin Plant 2 April 2019 - To accompany L'Oréal Luxe's dynamic growth worldwide L'Oréal announces the plan to further develop the group's manufacturing capabilities in France by dedicating the plant in Aulnay-sous-Bois to the production of fine perfumes and perfume collections This decision would increase L'Oréal Luxe's ​​industrial footprint and capabilities in France to 4 factories specialized by technology: The planned investment of 15 million euros would enable the Aulnay-Sous-Bois plant to become L'Oréal Luxe's second ​​"Manufacture du Parfum" with specific know-how Chief Technology and Operations Officer of L'Oréal "The Aulnay-sous-Bois plant will be a strategic pillar for L'Oréal Luxe's production of perfumes and as such This significant investment highlights our aim to adapt manufacturing capabilities to new market challenges while developing the expertise of each of our plants L'Oréal has decided to invest significantly in its manufacturing capabilities with state-of-the-art equipment take a deep dive into beauty – our vocation and sole focus for the past 115 years Discover the excellence of the L'Oréal model through the most significant initiatives of the year A spokesperson for L’Oréal told the AFP agency that the factory and its 220 employees specialised in the production of foundations facial skincare and sun creams.The project is proof of “L’Oréal's willingness to adapt its industrial organisation smoothly to market challenges while promoting the know-how of each of the group's plants,” stated L’Oréal in a press release.