This adaptation would entail the reorganisation of its Montoir-de-Bretagne industrial site, specialised in the production of commodity biodiesel. This project would in fact require a shutdown of the biodiesel production facility, while a logistics depot activity would be maintained on the site to meet the needs of its customers located on the Atlantic coast.
Faced with the deterioration of the biodiesel market, SAIPOL has decided in 2019 to reposition its activity on the production of high value-added biodiesel, with speciality products such as its flagship product Oleo100, made from 100% French rapeseed. This “SAIPOL 2023” strategic plan, presented in November 2019, provided in particular for the refocusing of industrial activity on sites located close to the production areas.
In accordance with the commitment made by SAIPOL’s management to the social partners, SAIPOL’s teams, with the support of an outside firm, have been mobilised to study all opportunities – search for a partnership, sale or reconversion of the Montoir-de-Bretagne site. However, no takeover solution has been found despite the efforts made for more than a year.
SAIPOL’s management has thus presented today a project for industrial adaptation to the changes the biodiesel market to staff representative bodies, leading to the reorganisation of its Montoir-de-Bretagne industrial site, which includes a shutdown of the biodiesel production facility and the loss of 33 jobs.
Management will do its utmost to limit the social impact by proposing reclassifications and support measures in the search for an individual and personalised solution for all employees concerned.
The presentation of this project marks the launch of an information-consultation procedure and the start of negotiations on the accompanying social measures with the staff representatives.
About SAIPOL
As the European leader in the processing of oilseeds (rapeseed, sunflower), Saipol develops value-added solutions for its customers and the most demanding citizens, by marketing vegetable oils and derivatives, protein-rich meals, and renewable energies with low carbon emissions. Among the brands developed by Saipol:
- Oleo100, a renewable energy made from 100% French rapeseed, is marketed to road hauliers, local authorities and companies, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of their captive fleets by up to 60%;
- OleoZE, the solution that promotes the development of sustainable agricultural practices through the purchase of seeds from conservation agriculture and with low carbon footprint from collecting organisations and farmers;
- Feedmarket, the digital marketplace for farmers and feed manufacturers to purchase protein-rich meal;
- Diester®, the Made in France biodiesel incorporated at a rate of 7 to 8% in the diesel fuel of all diesel vehicles in France.
