15 September 2008 - The Hungarian branch of Sara Lee Corporation, Sara Lee Hungary Zrt., has announced that it has invested HUF 1 billion (about 4.17 million euro) in its Rákospalota production facility (near Budapest) this year. This latest investment is part of a series of investments carried out over the past ten years by the firm, which now total HUF 7 billion (approximately 29.2 million euro).
In a statement sent to FLEXNEWS, Sara Lee Hungary said the Rákospalota investment will be used to modernise tea production lines with a view to make them suitable for applying new packaging techniques. The company added that the upgrade will influence the operation of the whole plant as machines will be relocated and new technology is going to be installed in the 3,000m2 space available.
The tea produced at the Rákospalota plant, which has become Sara Lee's second-biggest tea packaging unit in Europe, is not only be sold domestically, but also in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and other countries.
Sara Lee Hungary's CEO, Dr. Tibor Seres, commented: “The investment is going to result in much more up-to-date procedures, more efficient organisation; altogether a modern plant will be established with circumstances complying with the latest requirements and improving the working conditions of the plant employees”.
This latest investment is expected to help Sara Lee Hungary strengthen its market position in Hungary. The company has doubled its tea production capacity in the last decade and the Rákospalota plant has become the largest coffee roasting and packaging unit in Hungary. According to AC Nielsen data, Sara Lee Hungary has become the market leader in the national coffee and tea segments with 41% and 43% market shares respectively.
Sara Lee Hungary’s main brands are Douwe Egberts Omnia, Karaván, Paloma, Douwe Egberts Insant Pure and the 3in1 products, as well as Piazza d’Oro and Douwe Egberts in the coffee catering business. Pickwick and Sir Morton are its leading tea brands.
Sara Lee Hungary employs approximately 431 people.