The Dutch starch producer AVEBE intends to increase its investments at its French factory in Haussimont. As part of an annual investment programme running until 2006, the company wants to achieve its goal of producing potato starch at the cheapest price in Europe. Avebe will invest over Euros 7m on its Haussimont operation as part of this strategy. Avebe claims that these investments will lead to an improved performance in the areas of production, logistics, environment and maintenance. This means producing proteins as efficiently as possible, reducing pressure on the environment, automating operational processes, expanding storage and transhipment facilities, and making organisational changes. The efficiency and return-on-investment of the potato starch factory should be improved, as well as the general performance of the Haussimont location as a whole. Avebe will therefore continue the potato starch production in Haussimont and maintain its potato starch quota of 60,000 tonnes in France. Staying in Haussimont will enable Avebe to benefit from the logistical advantage of short supply lines for locally produced potato starch to buyers in southern Europe. Source: Avebe
