Lembeke / BE. (lbbv) At the beginning of February, the Belgian Lotus Bakeries Group celebrated the inauguration of its newest, state-of-the-art production facility in Wolseley, South Africa. The local development reflects the Group’s commitment to local production, job creation and sustainability.
Production of Nākd bars is set to begin in Wolseley later this year. The new facility, adjacent to the existing Bear production site, underlines Lotus Bakeries’ commitment to supporting local production and making a positive impact on the surrounding communities. With this expansion, the South African site will become Lotus Bakeries’ second largest production site, making an important contribution to the local economy.
(All Photos: Lotus Bakeries Group)
This emphasis on expansion is evident in the strategy employed by Lotus Manufacturing South Africa. The brand, Nākd, under the umbrella of Lotus TM Natural Foods, was formerly exclusively produced by a co-manufacturer in the UK. Fuelled by increasing sales and internationalization efforts, the primary goal is to secure robust production capacity and establish control over the entire production chain. This initiative is significant for addressing current global challenges and ensuring a resilient, self-sufficient operation.
Since its opening in 2019, the Wolseley facility has experienced substantial growth, now producing over 170 million Fruit Rolls. Group-CEO Jan Boone expresses his gratitude: «Five years ago, we started this venture with high hopes and strong ambitions. Today, we have exceeded our initial goals, targets and expectations. The dedication, winning spirit, and «focus on quality» of all our employees has been the key factor in our success here at Wolseley.»
«South Africa was strategically selected as the production site for Nākd based on the proven success of Bear production in recent years,» continues Isabelle Maes, CMO Lotus Bakeries and CEO Natural Foods. «The decision was influenced by the proximity of the adjacent plant and the expertise of the local workforce. The new Nākd facility will mainly generate international volumes, while the co- manufacturer in the UK continues to produce for the UK market.»
To celebrate this milestone, not only the Lotus Bakeries Executive Committee came over to the Wolseley site. Also the Belgian Ambassador to South Africa, the Consul General and Mayor were present. And finally, Prime Minister Alan Wide conveyed his congratulations via video during the opening event. The employees were very happy about the great attention during the event.
The expansion also aligns with Lotus Bakeries’ sustainability ambitions. With over 700 employees in Wolseley, the company is a significant employer in the community. Also, the Group’s social impact was recently recognized with a visit by the Belgian King and Queen, highlighting the company as a preferred employer. In addition, the Wolseley plants are proud owners of one of the region’s largest solar panel installations, combined with a battery solution ensuring 16 hours of self-sufficiency in electricity production. Looking ahead, Lotus Bakeries continues to have ambitious plans for South Africa.
