Grupo Bimbo invests $20.1m in Argentine site to boost exports

Grupo Bimbo has invested ARS 600 million ($20.1 million) to increase production at its San Fernando site in Argentina as it targets a rise in exports. 

The Mexican bakery company unveiled four new production lines to elaborate its handmade bakery products, adding to the lines that already make white and whole grain bread products.

Grupo Bimbo in Argentina said it will now have greater international certifications that will help increase productivity and reach more destinations. Currently, in Argentina, the company exports products to Chile and new markets such as Paraguay and Uruguay will be added.

Diego Bustos, general manager of Grupo Bimbo in Argentina, highlighted the importance of the investment: “We acquired this factory in March 2016 and, from that moment, we have been concerned about getting the most out of it, investing in technology and achieving its renovation.

“In less than two and a half years, not only did the production tons quadruple, but the number of workers increased by 30%.”

He added: “Due to our vast history in the province, this announcement has been special for us. Since 1995, we have been betting on this great province, where our first factory was installed in the province of Pilar. In this way, we continue to strengthen our presence on Buenos Aires soil.”

Santiago Aparicio, president of the Deliberative Council of San Fernando, added: “Almost 400 people will work in the plant, representing 400 families that will have a better future. The fact that there is a company with these international characteristics, that makes such an investment, is worth noting.”

The funding pledge follows a series of investments by Grupo Bimbo this year. It has gained a greater foothold in the Chinese market after acquiring bakery company Mankattan.

It also inaugurated a new solar facility at its corporate site in Mexico City which it says will “reduce annual CO2 emissions by 2,500 tons”.