Eurolyo, located in Chartres (28), is now part of the Berkem Group, an Aquitaine-based industrial ETI specializing in chemicals. This acquisition completes the group's expertise in contract work, as the freeze-drying technique is used in a wide range of sectors: agri-food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Berkem expands its range of contract work services
By acquiring Eurolyo as part of its Extraction division, alongside Berkem, the Berkem Group has strengthened and extended its range of outsourcing services. For 50 years, Berkem has been developing tailor-made plant extracts for the food, cosmetics and nutraceutical markets. Backed by high-performance, multi-purpose industrial facilities, Berkem offers a wide range of services. The range of contract services has been expanded with the arrival of Eurolyo's cold-drying know-how and equipment.
Eurolyo, cold product drying
Since 1995, Eurolyo has been providing contract freeze-drying services at its Chartres plant. This is a sublimation dehydration process, operated at very low temperature and under vacuum. This process enables particularly effective drying, preserving all the qualities of the finished product, even for heat-sensitive products.
Eurolyo's production unit in Chartres, in the heart of Cosmetic Valley, comprises 7 freeze-dryers of different capacities. It operates 24/7. The work area is classified ISO 7, enabling services to be carried out in a controlled atmosphere.
In 2017, Eurolyo's sales approached the million euro mark, mainly to French customers.
Today, the team consists of 4 freeze-drying experts who can count on the support of the Berkem Group to ensure the company's continuity and development. Eurolyo will remain at its Chartres (28) production site, retaining the know-how of its existing team.
Eurolyo and the Berkem Group: complementary skills
This acquisition will enable Berkem to diversify its range of contract services and consolidate the quality of its customer network in various sectors. With this acquisition, Berkem aims to consolidate its position as France's leading subcontractor in its field. Founded in 1964, the Berkem group is historically an industrial SME specializing in chemicals. It has a production site in Dordogne (24), one in Gironde (33), and one in La Teste de Buch (33), for products manufactured by Lixol. In 2017, it posted sales of €54 million and employed over 230 people in Europe. The Berkem Group has 4 subsidiaries marketing products developed by its R&D laboratories and from its production sites. All these products are intended for professional customers in the cosmetics, construction, industry and food sectors.
