Following the purchase of Phenix in early 2022, Kverneland has consolidated and reorganised its French operations with the closure of the Arcy sur Cure facility and the transfer of mechanical weeding equipment production to Les Landes-Genusson, its already existing implement factory.
Kverneland Group Les Landes-Genusson, abbreviated to KVG LLG by the company, lies 50km south of Nantes and it has just announced a major expansion to strengthen its position in cultivation and mechanical weeding machinery.
The company considers this a strategic investment which is driven by an increase in global demand for a new approach to cultivation.
Twice present production
The project will double production capacity for both Kubota and Kverneland implements, introduce larger machinery such as the XL compact disc harrow, and support the growing need for mechanical weeding machinery as interest in sustainable farming grows.
Kverneland believes that the expansion of KVG LLG reflects a strong focus on its sense of environmental responsibility.
The parent company is active in water treatment and environmental projects after all, and the principle of care extends throughout the corporation.
The key areas of investment at Les Landes-Genusson include the purchase of over 17,000m² of land, bringing the site area up to 5.5ha.
The building footprint will also grow from 13,200m² to 20,000m² providing extra room for welding, painting, assembly, and prototype development.
Innovation from Kvernerland
There will also be the installation of two solar power plants on the building’s roof as well as that of the car park, providing a maximum of 770 kWp.
The research and development (R&D) prototype workshop itself will be increase from 645m² to 1,000m², which Kverneland believes will encourage innovation, and this is to be supported by new R&D offices.
The investment includes an increase in factory automation with welding and painting robots, alongside automated guided vehicles streamlining operations.
Building the equipment is just one part of the production process, shipping and storage are also a vital element of the whole operation and these to are to be improved and expanded.
The expansion is set to be completed by mid-2026.
