Official launch of ELSA's major "ELSAvenir" project. Migros puts its faith in the Swiss industrial area

Each year, Migros invests more than a billion francs in the Swiss business economy. Almost 100 million francs have been allocated to ELSA over the last five years, as well as to the major ELSAvenir project, which will be officially launched on the 29th November in the presence of federal councillor Ueli Maurer.

ELSA is one of the most modern dairies in Europe. Boasting the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment, as well as logistics and goods flow chains optimised following completion of the ELSAvenir project, the company is positioning itself as a jewel in the dairy industry. It can now meet - and go way beyond - ever stricter requirements in terms of hygiene and quality, certification and standards. The new logistics area, which runs around the entire production building, was a key component of the project. It is worth noting that production was able to continue throughout the construction work. Employees are pleased with the new, bright break rooms, the air-conditioned production halls which clearly separate the sterile areas and the simplified goods flow and production processes.

The region's biggest employer
"We believe in the opportunities on offer in the dairy sector, and our confidence is illustrated by major investment in large-scale projects such as ELSAvenir", explains Walter Huber, Industry department manager at the Migros Cooperative. "We continue to have faith in Switzerland as a major industrial area, and intend to keep on playing a central role in the creation of value in this area".
With its ELSA, Mifroma and Micarna companies, as well as the Fribourg-Neuchâtel cooperative, Migros is the biggest private employer in the canton of Fribourg. The "orange" brand employs more than 3000 staff in the region and generates a turnover of 2.393 billion francs (2010). Through projects like ELSAvenir, it supports the local business economy, playing a key role in the region.

Well-equipped to face the future
"The completion of this large-scale project means we are well-equipped to face the future", declares Matthew Robin, CEO of the ELSA-Mifroma Group. "All the innovations implemented as part of ELSAvenir are based on a visionary approach which takes into account the opportunities for growth. We are certain that our vast standard product range and added value items, such as lactose-free and soya-based products, will allow us to make our mark in the future in the highly competitive Swiss and foreign markets".

The company
Specialising in ultra-fresh goods and offering a wide range of dairy products, ELSA processes some 300 million kg of milk every year. The company has over 600 employees. Its extensive range includes more than 550 products manufactured to Swiss quality criteria and distributed throughout Europe: drinking milk and cream, yogurts, drinking yogurt, desserts, fromage frais and quark as its main specialities, as well as a full range of condiments and grocery products including vinegars, salad dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, tofu and soya drinks. ELSA guarantees complete traceability for all of its products, from the manufacturer to the consumer's plate.