The French group lactalis is strengthening its industrial presence in Germany with a new investment plan of approximately €50 million for its Neuburg, Bavaria, plant. The goal is to expand the site by introducing the production of quark, the traditional fresh cheese widely used in Central European markets.
According to the company's plan, the plant will be able to produce approximately 40.000 tons of quark and 104.000 tons of whey annually by 2030. With this expansion, the site's total capacity will reach approximately 308.000 tons per year.
The Neuburg plant already specializes in the processing of milk, cream, yogurt, and dairy desserts. The introduction of the new production line will also lead to a reorganization of industrial operations, with a transition to a continuous three-shift operation, operating seven days a week.
The project will also have a positive impact on employment. Lactalis plans to hire approximately 70 new employees to support the increased production and ensure the site operates at full capacity.
In Germany, the group has a total of six plants and employs around 1.300 people, confirming the country as one of the strategic markets for the growth of its European operations.
The investment in Bavaria is part of a broader industrial development plan that Lactalis has been implementing in recent years. Last September, the French giant announced a billion-euro program to modernize its plants in France by 2030.
The plan includes measures to modernize production lines, develop new products, and implement decarbonization projects, as well as expanding the Petit Basque cheese plant and installing new production lines at the Bouvron and Bayeux plants.
At the same time, the group continues to reorganize its international production network. Last year, it announced the closure of a dairy plant in Australia as part of a review of its industrial presence in the country.
On the external growth front, in recent weeks Lactalis also acquired the British company Protein Works, a company specializing in high-protein foods such as powders, shakes and bars, thus strengthening its presence in a rapidly expanding segment.
The investment in Germany confirms the group's strategy of consolidating production capacity in key European markets, focusing on both expanding offerings and improving industrial efficiency to meet evolving consumer demand and sustain long-term growth.
