Fazer Bakery is increasing production capacity at its plant in Lahti, Finland, with a new rye bread line. The Finnish market leader has invested around EUR 11 million in the new system. “The investment strengthens the position of the Fazer bakery in Lahti as the world’s largest rye bakery and is a significant investment in the production of Finnish rye bread and the sustainability of bread production,” the company said.
The new rye bread line is powered by green electricity and significantly reduces the CO2 emissions and overall energy consumption of the bakery in Lahti. In addition, another line has been replaced by an electrically powered one. The changes are expected to reduce CO2 emissions in Lahti by around 30 % by 2025, which will also have an impact on the Fazer Group’s emissions reduction.
The new line went into operation in April and produces up to 25,000 of Fazer’s typical rye breads (Reissumies) per hour. The new facility will significantly increase the production capacity of Reissumies, according to the company. “We want to expand our range with attractive and healthy rye products and increase domestic bread production,” said Marko Bergholm, Managing Director of Fazer Bakery Finland.
The investment was supported by NextGenerationEU funds from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, which Business Finland granted in the form of an energy subsidy for the electrification of the rye bread line.
Fazer aims to have 65 % of its portfolio consist of whole grain breads by 2030. Currently, the share is 57 %. “It is important for us to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage Finns to follow the new dietary recommendations by producing tasty whole grain breads,” explains Bergholm.
Fazer operates industrial bakeries in Lahti, Vantaa, and Lappeenranta, as well as over 139 scratch bakeries in grocery stores. Fazer Bakery Finland employs around 1,600 people, 450 of whom work at the bakery in Lahti.
Photo: Fazer
