The expansion of a Ferrero plant in Germany is given the green light

The €170 million investment is intended to “ensure the long-term viability of the site in central Hessen” and to “fully modernise the production site, thus adapting the existing facilities to the latest technology”, according to a statement from the authority.

The expansion of the plant has been subject to 34 public objections, focusing on environmental concerns.

Critics of Ferrero’s expansion in Stadtallendorf feared in particular that the construction work could release pollutants into the groundwater and thus endanger the protection of potable water. The Stadtallendorf area is one of the most important drinking water sources in Hessen and was home to Europe’s largest explosives factory during the Second World War, so environmentalists have focused on the potential contamination of groundwater from constructions in the area. Local residents were concerned about the felling of trees to build the new factory.

All stakeholders were consulted online on the objections raised. The results were then taken into account in the final review of the permit, resulting in a comprehensive concept for groundwater and soil protection measures.

Modern facilities for praline production

All stakeholders were consulted online on the objections raised. The results were then taken into account in the final review of the permit, resulting in a comprehensive concept for groundwater and soil protection measures.

The expansion of Ferrero’s new factory building in central Hessen was originally scheduled to be ready by 2025. According to the Hessen Journal, more warehouses are to be built for the production of ‘Mon Chéri’ pralines.

The company also plans to modernise its production technology and erect an energy-efficient production hall to ‘optimise sustainability’, according to the statement.

Hessenschau.de