Positioned in Normandy, within the North-West of France, the Biopack manufacturing unit, one of many 5 European manufacturing websites of the Arcade Magnificence group, is going through a surge in demand for its core enterprise: the filling and packaging of samples and mini fragrance and beauty merchandise. Over the previous three years, the corporate has invested 3.5 million euros to extend its manufacturing capability.

After the set up of 5 new machines between late 2023 and early 2024, mixed with the implementation of an enormous operational effectivity program, Biopack ought to have round 25% extra capability this 12 months. Sufficient to take the warmth off, after a 12 months 2023 marked by manufacturing tensions.

A doubling of gross sales during the last 5 years

Between 2017 and 2023, Biopack’s turnover doubled to cross the 60 million euro mark. This progress was supported by a powerful recruitment plan, with the workforce rising from 100 staffs in 2017 to 200 staffs in 2023. Moreover, 3.5 million euros have been invested within the growth of the location, rationalization and new machines, during the last three years.

“In 2023, extra volumes needed to be produced despite the fact that all of the machines had not but arrived. We’ve subsequently applied a efficiency technique to get probably the most out of our manufacturing device. This lean manufacturing program allowed us to ramp up manufacturing in good situations,” explains Mathieu Guilluy, the plant supervisor.

Adjustments in makes use of

In keeping with Biopack Arcade Magnificence, the speedy progress in demand is defined by the strengthening position of samples. “After all the robust progress within the international fragrance market has pushed our volumes, however the development is extra common and is linked to much less model loyalty, main customers to check extra merchandise,” underlines Mathieu Guilluy.

Customers’ need that samples present an expertise as near that of full-size merchandise results in an elevated sophistication that advantages mini merchandise, the manufacturing of which has tripled since 2017, whereas that of mini sprays elevated by 20% over the identical interval. For its half, the manufacturing of conventional pattern playing cards has stalled.

Manufacturing flexibility

Nonetheless, the success of mini merchandise and the development in the direction of premiumization require manufacturing to be tailored to all kinds of codecs. “We want very versatile machines, which we are able to adapt in a short time to industrialize merchandise,” says Mathieu Guilluy.

The Biopack plant can reply to requests from giant teams in addition to small manufacturers with minimal portions various from 5,000 to 10,000 models relying on the kind of product. “However we stay versatile, our power is to find options,” insists the plant supervisor.

Relying on the manufacturers’ requests, Biopack can perform packaging, its core enterprise, but in addition, make sure the sourcing of formulation and packaging, along with managing ornament and meeting operations.

Lastly, let’s word that the investments in extra manufacturing capability have been concomitant to the implementation of a plan to scale back the environmental footprint that enabled Biopack to scale back electrical energy consumption whereas rising manufacturing.