Advertise
Grup Pons, a family-owned enterprise based in L’Albagés with an 80-year legacy, has embarked on a strategic modernization project for its Molí Nou olive oil mill. The initiative is backed by a €1.12 million loan from the Institut Català de Finances (ICF), aimed at driving digitalization, sustainability, and international competitiveness. This investment will enable the facility to process up to 3,000 tonnes of olives annually by 2030, marking an increase of approximately 800 tonnes over current capacity.
The comprehensive upgrade involves expanding the mill's physical footprint and installing state-of-the-art machinery. Key technical improvements include the renovation of electrical, thermal, and water systems, alongside the integration of a unified control system. This digital overhaul is designed to enhance traceability and provide meticulous monitoring during the production of organic extra virgin olive oil, effectively eliminating previous production bottlenecks.
Sustainability is a core component of the project. The modernized plant is expected to significantly lower energy consumption while introducing a new secondary extraction area. This addition allows the company to maximize the value of each olive and reduce the generation of by-products. Eduard Pons, CEO of Grup Pons, emphasized that the investment strengthens the firm's commitment to a circular economy, turning potential waste into high-quality oil while maintaining rigorous excellence standards.
The financing was secured through the ICF Eurocrèdit program, which provides favourable terms to Catalan SMEs via co-financing from the European Union's European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Vanessa Servera, CEO of ICF, noted that supporting established family businesses with deep regional roots and global outlooks is vital for the future of Catalonia's primary sector.
Currently in its fourth generation, Grup Pons exports organic extra virgin olive oil to over 140 international markets. The company, which also produces wine under the Clos Pons brand, views this modernization as a critical step in securing its market position for the coming decades through innovation and local value creation.
Source: Capital-Riesgo.es