Fresh-frozen vegetable specialist Ardo has officially dedicated a state-of-the art distribution center at the company’s Gourin site in the Brittany region of France. Participating in the May 25 ceremony were several French politicians as well as members of the Haspeslagh family, including the widow of company founder Edouard Haspeslagh, for whom the distribution logistics center was named.
Ardooie, Belgium-headquartered Ardo invested €32 million in the fully automated facility. The 36-meter high building has capacity for 32,000 pallets and consumes 25% less energy that typically used by conventional coldstores of its 6,000-square-meter size.
At the center of the inauguration ceremony is Mrs. Edouard Haspeslagh, widow of the Ardo Group founder and frozen food industry pioneer in Europe. Seen with her are (left to right) daughter-in-law Els Haspeslagh, son Jan Haspeslagh (Ardo Group managing director), Claude Villain (retired managing director of Ardo Gourin), and Brice Urlacher (managing director of Ardo Gourin).An additional €6 million has been invested in a new water treatment station at the location that features the latest in sustainability technology. The Ardo Gourin operation accounts for approximately €100 million of the Ardo Group’s total annual turnover of more than €1 billion. Its main products are spinach, peas, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, root vegetables, prepared vegetables, purees and soups.
Earlier this year Ardo received the “Prix du Meilleur Investisseur Belge en France 2018” (Prize of the Best Belgian Investor in France) from the CCI France-Belgique (Chambre of Commerce and Industry France-Belgium). The award is given to Belgian entrepreneurs who, by carrying out ambitious programs, have contributed to France’s economic dynamism. Ardo was saluted for investments in several factories and other facilities in France, including the distribution logistics platform in Gourin.
Founded in the West Flanders region of Belgium in 1977, Ardo has evolved over the past four decades to become Europe’s leading producer of frozen vegetables. It also packs and distributes frozen fruit, potatoes, herbs, rice and pasta products.
