2024-09-14 13:30:00
The subsidiary of the family group Prodef (25 million euros in turnover, 115 employees) – specialist in Savon de Marseille in its traditional cube form and in soap bars (60% of its volumes) under the brand “La Corvette” – has invested 1.3 million euros in this installation which will be fully operational by the end of 2024. As part of the post-Covid recovery plan, the State has contributed 400,000 euros to this project.
The prefect of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Christophe Mirmand, invited to discover it, is delighted that the reindustrialization of France is also taking shape in “living heritage companies” (as Savonnerie du Midi is labeled) keen to increase their sales to meet the needs of consumers increasingly seeking natural and authentic products.
From mechanics to digital
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La Savonnerie du Midi produces between 70 and 80 tonnes of Marseille soap each month and sells 12 to 13 million products per year, under various references and in several channels (mass distribution, organic stores, subcontracting, etc.) as well as via its website.
For Guillaume Fiévet, president of Prodef and Savonnerie du Midi, “The support of the State was a major factor in our decision to equip ourselves with a new line. We were facing a dual problem : the occasional saturation of our other chains and the need to modernize our site. This versatile and fast equipment, with a 20% higher productivity, allows us in particular to produce very high-quality marking on our soaps. We want to position ourselves on the high-end market. The staff is in the process of getting to grips with the tool». «The other lines have mechanical operation, this one benefits from fully digitalized settings and therefore involves training our employees” underlines Quentin Bazerbes, production manager.
Modernization with rich benefits
Since the acquisition of the company eleven years ago, Prodef has carried out a profound transformation of the unit.We were convinced that Marseille soap had a future“, says the manager. A first phase of investments (1.8 million euros) between 2015 and 2018 concerned the cauldrons and drying to make Marseille soap. Several renovations were also carried out afterwards to open the doors of the place to visitors and tourists, create a museum, etc.
A change that has paid off, according to Guillaume Fiévet, since the soap factory has gone from 4 to 10 million euros in turnover, from 3% to more than 20% in exports (South Korea, Japan, Taiwan for Asia, Europe, Canada, etc.) and from 17 to 43 employees. New recruitment is also underway.
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What steps is Savonnerie du Midi taking to modernize its production processes?
**Savonnerie du Midi Invests in Modernization, Boosting Prod
– How is Savonnerie du Midi modernizing its soap production process?
Savonnerie du Midi Revolutionizes Marseille Soap Production with Cutting-Edge Technology
The subsidiary of the family group Prodef, Savonnerie du Midi, has invested 1.3 million euros in a state-of-the-art production line, marking a significant step in their mission to modernize and increase sales of their traditional Marseille soap products. With the support of the French State, which contributed 400,000 euros to the project, the company aims to position itself as a leader in the high-end market and meet the growing demand for natural and authentic products.
From Mechanics to Digital
The new production line, which is set to be fully operational by the end of 2024, represents a significant shift from traditional mechanical operations to digitalized settings. This upgrade will not only increase productivity by 20% but also enable the production of high-quality marking on their soaps. According to Guillaume Fiévet, president of Prodef and Savonnerie du Midi, “The support of the State was a major factor in our decision to equip ourselves with a new line. We were facing a dual problem: the occasional saturation of our other chains and the need to modernize our site.”
Modernization with Rich Benefits
The modernization of Savonnerie du Midi’s production processes is not a new phenomenon. Since the acquisition of the company eleven years ago, Prodef has carried out a profound transformation of the unit. Between 2015 and 2018, the company invested 1.8 million euros in updating its cauldrons and drying facilities to improve the production of Marseille soap. Additionally, several renovations were made to open the doors of the facility to visitors and tourists, create a museum, and enhance the overall customer experience.
The benefits of this modernization are multifaceted. Not only will the new production line increase productivity and efficiency, but it will also enable the company to produce high-quality products that meet the growing demand for natural and authentic soap products. Furthermore, the modernization of the facility will create new job opportunities and contribute to the local economy.
What Steps is Savonnerie du Midi Taking to Modernize its Production Processes?
Savonnerie du Midi is taking several steps to modernize its production processes, including:
- Investing in cutting-edge technology: The company has invested 1.3 million euros in a new production line that features digitalized settings, increasing productivity by 20%.
- Training employees: The staff is undergoing training to get familiar with the new equipment, which requires a different set of skills compared to traditional mechanical operations.
- Focusing on high-end market: Savonnerie du Midi aims to position itself as a leader in the high-end market, capitalizing on the growing demand for natural and authentic soap products.
- Enhancing customer experience: The company has renovated its facility to create a museum and open its doors to visitors and tourists, enhancing the overall customer experience.
As the demand for natural and authentic products continues to grow, Savonnerie du Midi is poised to take advantage of this trend with its modernized production processes and commitment to producing high-quality Marseille soap products.
About Prodef and Savonnerie du Midi
Prodef is a subsidiary of a family group, with a turnover of 25 million euros and 115 employees. Savonnerie du Midi is a specialist in Savon de Marseille in its traditional cube form and soap bars, with 60% of its volumes sold under the brand “La Corvette.” The company produces between 70 and 80 tonnes of Marseille soap each month and sells 12 to 13 million products per year through various channels, including mass distribution, organic stores, subcontracting, and its website.
