Established since 1858 in Guégon, in Morbihan, the Caradec paper mill, which became a cardboard factory, integrated into the Smurfit Westrock France Group, specializes in the production of corrugated cardboard. From the paper reel to the printed packaging, the factory designs, manufactures and markets the entire process chain. Committed to sustainable and eco-responsible production, the company is recruiting around ten people.
« We practice a local profession“, chants Bruno Rousseau, sales director at Smurfit Westrock Caradec, during the “Better Planet Packaging” days organized at the end of November, in the Caradec industrial zone. Stationery and cardboard factory installed in Guégon (56) since 1858, the company Smurfit Kappa Caradec, which became Smurfit Westrock Caradec last July after the merger of the two paper giants (the Irish Smurfit Kappa and the American Westrock), produces some 230 million corrugated cardboard packages each year. « We deliver 98% of our production to Brittany, including 85% to food industry professionals”specifies the commercial director whose the catchment area extends within a maximum radius of 300km around the Guégon factory. As can be seen in the photo, the chips maker Bret's, the Prince de Bretagne cooperative, the poultry maker SBV, the pastry chef La Trinitaine, and others are among the close customers. A wallet which perfectly illustrates the responsible purchasing strategy called for by the wishes of Breton economic policies.
Circularity, durability, recyclability
Committed to a strong eco-responsible policy, the Smurfit Westrock Group works to preserve resources (internal forest management, prioritization of recycling) at the same time as the decarbonization of its processes (renewable and local energy, eco-design, etc.). On the product side, “ we bring innovation to the service of sustainabilityby ensuring a technical advance of at least ten years on our research and development work“, underlines Rémy Kremer, CSR director of the Smurfit Westrock France Group. Traveling to Guégon, the manager presented the levers of sustainable development of the company, focused on the minimization of packaging (“ produce just what you need“) and their recyclability (rate equal to 89% in 2024). The hundred or so customers who came to visit the Morbihan factory at the end of November were able to discover these ambitions and these developments in sustainable packaging.
Improved working conditions
Located in the Caradec business area, the cardboard factory covers an area of 15,000 m2. It is one of the largest local industries, employing 180 people. since the arrival of Smurfit Kappa in 2019 supported by the merger with Westrock in 2024, significant investments have been made on the Caradec industrial site ; several million a priori, the overall amount remaining confidential. “ Working conditions have been significantly improved”underlines Bruno Rousseau, sales director, showing the conveyor belts which transport the cardboard panels from the corrugator (100 meter long machine!) to the presses, and relieve all handling operations. “ The group has also modernized its machinery. The latest arrival is this new digital part which allows packaging to be cut, folded and glued”explains Bruno Rousseau, who recognizes the optimization and fluidity of production gained in recent years.
Around ten recruitments in progress
Around ten recruitments are underway. Profiles for machine operator (M/F), maintenance technician (M/F) and method technician (M/F) are sought. “ Each new person hired follows a complete integration and training course. The Caradec site invests each year in professional training to maintain and develop the level of skills of its employees. explains Gaëlle Coelho, Group communications manager at the French level.
Across the France Group, Smurfit Westrock – headquartered in Mandé in the Paris region – has around fifty sites, more than 4,500 employees for a turnover of more than 1 billion euros achieved in 2023. Andrew Coffey chairs the Smurfit Westrock France Group; the Guégon entity is headed by Pascal Lefeuve.
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