Diam geared for growth with new facility

Closure manufacturer Diam Bouchage has opened a new €30 million factory in France’s Languedoc-Roussillon region.

The 2,000m² Diamant III cork purification unit is located on the 5-hectare site in Vallespir that houses the company’s head office. The new plant will enable Diam to process an extra 3,600 tonnes of cork flour, stepping up annual production capacity from its current level of 700m closures to a 2 billion.

The purification element is a central aspect of Diam’s production process, which sees cork dust filtered for impurities before CO₂ is used to extract negative sensory compounds such as TCA. The grains are then moulded, glued and satin-finished to create a range of closures.

“What we offer is the assurance of a real tasting experience, without any risk of cork taint,” asserted Diam Bouchage CEO Dominique Tourneix as he announced the expansion, which coincides with the company’s 10^th anniversary.

While France represents Diam’s main market, accounting for 30% of total sales that are set to hit €102m in 2014/15, the company is also working to expand its presence and currently sells to 42 countries worldwide.

A detailed look at the closures sector will appear in August’s issue of the drinks business.