New Lifocolor plant in Izernore successfully in operation

Lifocolor sarl, manufacturer of colour masterbatches and additives for the plastics industry and French subsidiary of the German Lifocolor Group with headquarters in Lichtenfels, relocated its headquarters from Bellignat to the newly built plant in Izernore in autumn 2019. Planned celebrations around the inauguration of the new production facility and the 20th anniversary were cancelled this year due to the pandemic. David Bouix, the new Director of Lifocolor sarl, and Dr Martin Fabian, Managing Director of the Lifocolor Group, look back on the successful development of the French plant just a year after its commissioning.

In 2018, it was certain: Lifocolor sarl's plant in Bellignat, France, had reached its capacity limit. In order to be able to continue to meet the increased customer demands for high-quality masterbatches in the future, the expansion of production and development capacities was decided and implemented. For the new plant relocation, the machinery was expanded with a new twin screw extruder. A further production line will be put into operation at the beginning of 2021.

2,000 tonnes of masterbatches per year

We have planned our new factory with machinery in such a way that our capacities will double. We are now able to produce 2,000 tonnes of masterbatches per year. This will enable us to meet the growing demand and even expand our production if necessary," explains David Bouix, the new Plant Manager of Lifocolor sarl, who took over the responsibilities of the unexpectedly deceased, long-standing director José Pereira when the new headquarters went into operation.

Lifocolor is environmentally conscious in its use of renewable energies: A 100 kilowatt peak photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the building, which covers around ten percent of the current demand for electrical energy. Surplus electricity is fed into the public grid. Four parking spaces are equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles which are connected to the photovoltaic system.

"The investment in the expansion of our French site was made due to the constant positive development over the past two decades", says Dr Martin Fabian, Managing Director of the Lifocolor Group. "We wanted to inaugurate the plant in Izernore with a celebration to mark the 20th anniversary, but unfortunately had to cancel this. The new production facility is Lifocolor's contribution to strengthening the plastics industry's supply chain in the region and to supporting processors and brand manufacturers with a high level of service in the implementation of development projects. The expanded production capacity guarantees short delivery times for high-quality masterbatches from five kilograms to several tons of order size".

Lifocolor activities throughout Europe

Close cooperation with the Group's four other sites and the joint use of standardised raw materials enable Lifocolor to produce and distribute masterbatch solutions of the same quality locally throughout Europe. Thanks to its flexibility, Lifocolor sarl can supply the French market within the shortest possible time.

The French subsidiary is also responsible for supporting and supplying customers from southwest Europe and North Africa. It produces masterbatches for colouring cosmetic and food packaging and toys. Other main areas of focus are in the household, sports and leisure sectors and for injection moulding applications of engineering plastics.