Cottes, French industrial bakers who specialise in pre-baked frozen bread, are investing EUR18m (US$23.15m) over the next two years in increasing capacity and modernising manufacturing facilities at its two production plants in south-west France.
 
At its HQ in Fossat, Cottes is investing EUR10m to raise output and bring the plant up to International Food Standard (IFS) norms. The company is building a 5,000 square metre cold store facility and a new automated production line capable of turning out 10,000 tonnes of bread annually.
 
Cottes is also investing  EUR8m at its plant in St Esteve in modernising production and introducing IFS norms.
 
The company was acquired Belgian food group, Vandemoortele in December 2004.