H.B. Fuller celebrated the official opening of its refurbished plant and laboratory in the historic town of Blois, France. The ceremony was attended by the local mayor, Marc Gricourt, together with employees and representatives from the company’s leadership team.
It was the culmination of a two-day event during which many of H.B. Fuller’s customers had the rare opportunity to see inside this state-of-the-art adhesive manufacturing facility.
The impressive redevelopment of H.B. Fuller’s Blois plant is part of the company’s three-year transformation of its EIMEA (Europe, India, Middle East, Africa) operations. This €70m strategic investment programme, which will be completed this year, will increase production capacity to support the region’s growing demand for adhesives.
The programme also gives manufacturers access to the latest technical facilities, leading-edge adhesive thinking and innovative technology – all on their doorstep.
As Steve Kenny, senior vice president, EIMEA, of H.B. Fuller confirms: “H.B. Fuller has an outstanding track record of innovation in the adhesive industry by connecting people, process and products to solve some of the biggest challenges manufacturing companies face today. The investment in the Blois facility demonstrates our commitment to helping customers grow competitively.
“The laboratory provides our R&D professionals and applications experts with an environment in which they can be at their most creative. With some of the very best tools and equipment, they can work collaboratively with customers and strategic partners.”
Adhesive manufacturing has played a key role in the Blois economy for many years. Established in the 1960s and moved to its current site north of the city in 1980, the facility has seen a number of extensions and developments over the years. This latest investment is transformational and sends a positive message to employees, the local economy and French manufacturers.
Steve continues: “At the heart of this investment is our mission to be our customers’ adhesive partner of choice and successfully connect what matters. So, we are delighted to have been able to expand and enhance our capabilities in Blois and that the site is in prime condition to provide customers with the best service and technical support, as well as market-leading adhesive technology designed to help them differentiate themselves from the competition and deliver great end-products.”
