The site will notably increase from 7 to 14 loading docks. Unikalo has invested “in equity, several tens of millions of euros”indicates, without further details, Romain Pestourie, general director of production. Until now, activities were spread out in Gironde, between two logistics sites in Canéjan, and three other production sites: paint in Mérignac – where the company also has its headquarters – as well as in Cestas and wallpaper in Sainte- Helene. Upon completion of the work, at the end of 2025, all activities will be shared between Mérignac and Cestas.
10 to 15 hires planned
This expansion “fits into Unikalo’s strategy, so that the building meets the latest environmental requirements”continues Romain Pestourie. The first independent French industrial manufacturer of building paints to have developed a range based on bio-sourced components, the neo-Aquitaine company will install photovoltaic panels on the roof of the building and a system for recycling urine into fertilizer. The current site used for raw materials will be razed and replaced by a wastewater recovery basin.
“Logistics spaces are being redesigned to be optimized, so as to increase our storage capacitiesadds Romain Pestourie. Health and safety are also at the heart of the arrangements, allowing us to work in the most suitable conditions.” Unikalo has 1,250 employees, and the new site should allow the hiring of 10 to 15 people in the short term. “In a market that is slowing, losing 3.5% between November 2023 and November 2024, we are experiencing growth of 7%. We would like to maintain this 10% differential, and this expansion is one of the tools to achieve this”concludes Romain Pestourie. In 2023, Unikalo produced 45,548 tonnes of paint and recorded 456 million euros in turnover.
Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
