Apetit to add new production line at Säkylä facility in Finland

Finnish food company Apetit is planning to add new patty and ball production line at the Säkylä plant with a €9.7m investment.

The new production line will be engaged in the production of vegetable and fish-based patties and balls, as well as other new vegetable-based value-added products.

Apetit CEO Juha Vanhainen said: “Patties and balls have been one of the most rapidly growing product group for a few years, with annual growth of about 20% on the average.

“Prospects for continuous growth are also bright – this is supported by strong growth in consumer demand, own product development efforts and new openings in international trade.”

The addition of a new patty and ball production line is expected to increase the company’s efficiency and production capacity, as well as help in meeting the growing demand for its products in both domestic and international markets.

Construction of the production line begins in August and the production is estimated to begin next June.

Vanhainen added: “All of our strategic focus areas, renewal, internationalisation and efficiency improvement, will become visible in the investment.

“In addition, the investment is material locally in Säkylä and it is also a strong message on developing and further strengthening of our operations.

“The investment will generate work and workplaces in the production and supply chains due to increased volumes. The raw material for products is also produced by local contract growers in the area.”

Going further, the company anticipates that its investment will enable a more versatile product development such as product shapes, a raw material base and new flavours, and the production of entirely new types of vegetable-based products.