The dessert manufacturer Senneville, an entrepreneurial business launched in Timisoara, announces the official opening of its refrigerated dessert factory in Calan, Hunedoara County, marking a new stage in Romanian food production.
The new Senneville factory represents a complex investment of 4 million euros, spread over an approximately 6,000 square meter land area, with a built-up area of almost 2,000 square meters. This includes a modern production hall, state-of-the-art cold storage rooms, and storage and logistics spaces at European standards.
The investment was made from Senneville’s funds, bank financing, and European funds accessed for the technological equipment line through the Just Transition Program (“Tranzitie Justa”) in collaboration with the Agency for Regional Development West (ADR West).
The production capacity at Calan is triple that of the previous unit in Timisoara, and the new factory currently employs 50 staff members. Senneville has a total of 70 employees. The primary roles of the Senneville team in the refrigerated dessert factory are operators on the automated baking and glazing lines, mixing and food technology specialists, and quality control personnel.
“When Romania builds, retail wins. The new factory in Calan is essential for reaching the maximum capacity of the refrigerated range and strengthens Senneville’s presence in modern retail in Romania. Additionally, we require new investments in food production facilities to reduce our dependence on imports. Balancing the import-export trade deficit is one of the greatest structural needs of the Romanian economy,” said David Alb, CEO of Senneville.
The trade deficit in 2024 rose to 33.393 billion euros last year, 4.4 billion euros higher (+15.3%) compared to that recorded in 2023, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
According to Senneville, the new investments in food production occur within a complex commercial context, where retailers can accelerate their development initiatives in support of Romanian producers.
New investments in the Senneville factory with Swedish, German, and Italian technology
The Senneville factory in Calan is equipped with modern equipment from European manufacturers, featuring Swedish technology for controlled baking, high energy efficiency, German technology for precise mixing and process stability, and Italian technology for automatic glazing and decoration, resulting in a premium quality finish.
“Innovation is an essential direction, and each production flow is designed modularly for versatility and scalability. This production unit marks Senneville’s transition to internationally certifiable industrial production, with the clear performance of obtaining IFS v8 certification – one of the highest standards of food safety and quality”, says David Alb.
Types of products launched in the new Senneville production unit
The new Senneville unit in Hunedoara County produces an extensive range, with a focus on traditional Romanian cakes: savarin, amandine, eclair, mixed cake platters, a controlled atmosphere packaging (ATM) innovation – ideal for modern retail, individual packaging (single portions) – a premiere for the brand, protein products and functional desserts and the launch of the new “Dulce de Dor” range – reinterpretations of the Romanian taste, with a contemporary aesthetic and table price.
Dessert manufacturer Senneville recorded a turnover of € 5.1 million in 2024, representing a 38% increase compared to 2023. Last year’s business growth was primarily driven by the expansion of the Senneville company into nationwide store networks.