Who to take over the Candia factory and its 161 employees?

After the shock, it is necessary to prepare the continuation. Two months after the announcement of the project to close the Candia factory in Campbon (Loire-Atlantique), which would leave 161 employees on the floor by 2023, the mobilization is underway to find a buyer. On Wednesday, a meeting between the State services, the elected representatives of the territory and the management of the site was notably organized to take stock of the progress of the research. “At this stage, 572 companies have been contacted, 15 expressions of interest identified, including 8 still active to date, 5 visits made including a second visit and another planned soon”, indicates the prefecture in a press release.

But so far, no dairy players have come forward. Ongoing discussions would involve “companies in the packaging of fruit juice and
logistics,” the statement said. “The State will ensure that the Sodiaal group respects its obligations in terms of finding a buyer and revitalizing the territory”, indicates the prefecture, which explains that prospecting continues, in France and abroad.

More than 300 positions deleted

As a reminder, the French milk heavyweight Sodiaal (Candia, Yoplait) has announced that it plans to close this factory and another site, located in Saône-et-Loire, by next year. This would lead to the elimination of 316 positions, to cope with the losses recorded on the markets for liquid milk and ingredients for infant milk, the group explained at the start of the year.