SAN FERNANDO, ARGENTINA — Grupo Bimbo has added four production lines to its plant in San Fernando. The baking company invested $20.1 million (600 million pesos) into the expansion, allowing it to increase exports to neighboring countries.

With the new addition, Bimbo will create more handmade products such as precooked frozen baguettes in addition to the bread, bran and multi-cereal items that are currently produced at the facility.

“We acquired this factory in March 2016, and from that moment we have been concerned about getting the most out of it, investing in technology and achieving its renovation,” said Diego Bustos, general manager, Grupo Bimbo. “In less than two and a half years, not only did the production tons quadruple, but the number of workers increased by 30%.”

The company distributes products from the Argentine plant to Chile. With this expansion, Bimbo can now access new markets in Paraguay and Uruguay, the company said.

The investment supports both the country and the company’s strategic plans for the region by increasing exports and providing secure employment.

“Almost 400 people will work in the plant, representing 400 families that will have a better future,” said Santiago Aparicio, president of the Deliberative Council of San Fernando. “The fact that there is a company with these international characteristics that make such an investment is worth noting.”