Leonidas Embarks on Future-Forward Factory Project with Group-IPS
Belgian chocolatier Leonidas, renowned for over a century as Belgium's favorite praline brand, celebrates its 110th anniversary in 2023 with a groundbreaking venture. In collaboration with Group-IPS, Leonidas is constructing a state-of-the-art factory to redefine the chocolate production landscape.
Building for the Future
Leonidas' commitment to creating moments of happiness through accessible luxury chocolate has driven its global success, with over 1300 points of sale across 40 countries. In the spirit of continuous innovation, Leonidas is embarking on a new journey with the construction of a new factory complex designed to enhance location advantages, environmental sustainability, production efficiency, logistics, and staff well-being.
The new factory, strategically located in the Nivelles Nord industrial zone on a 5-hectare site, consolidates Leonidas' operations, bringing together offices, production, and warehousing on a site 30% larger than the current facilities. Scheduled to begin activities in the summer of 2025, the plant aims for BREEAM Excellent certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility, worker well-being, energy efficiency, water management, transport, mobility, and waste management.
Innovative Features
This future-forward complex promises an array of advantages. The integrated production and warehousing setup aligns with logistical efficiency, reducing transport needs and environmental impact.
The new plant is designed to meet the strict hygiene standards set by the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG), ensuring the production of chocolates adheres to the highest levels of quality and safety.
Leadership Vision
Philippe de Selliers, CEO of Leonidas, expresses great ambition for the future, emphasizing that the new plant will support Leonidas' global development. With optimization of production and logistics, adherence to environmental standards, and a commitment to innovation, the new factory marks a pivotal moment in the history of Leonidas.
As Group-IPS collaborates with Leonidas on this visionary project, provides overall project management, and brings industrial chocolate experience, logistical experience, and other support in areas such as process, HVAC, piping, utilities, and automation engineering, it promises to elevate the chocolate-making expertise, creating a beacon for the industry's sustainable and technologically advanced future. Stay tuned for more updates as this partnership unfolds.
"We've even planned an extension in the building for two additional lines, which will increase Leonidas' production capacity by 50% in the future".
