Lutosa breaks ground on its new French fry line in Waregem

Lutosa celebrated a key milestone in its development at Waregem, with the official inauguration of a vast industrial investment project. This represents a commitment of EUR 225 million (USD 27.2 million) to modernize and expand the production site, while strengthening the company’s local roots. 

A grand inauguration with the Flemish Minister-President 

On Monday May 26, 2025, the Lutosa site in Waregem hosted a major event: the official ground-breaking ceremony for the investment project, attended by Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele. This momentous occasion symbolizes the concrete launch of one of the largest industrial investments in the region in recent years. 

Welcomed by Lutosa CEO Alain Dufait, the Minister-President and the Mayor of Waregem, Kristof Chanterie, were shown the ambitious expansion plans: an investment of 225 million euros, with the creation of around 100 direct jobs on the site.

A major industrial project 

These investments include the installation of a new production line for frozen French fries, the extension of the potato flake production line, the construction of a modern potato reception and sorting station, and the modernization of the wastewater treatment plant.

Presentation of Lutosa’s ambitious expansion: new production lines, upgraded facilities, and sustainable technologies

A sustainable and responsible industrial vision

During the presentation, Alain Dufait highlighted the technological advances integrated into the industrial development program. Future production lines will be based on the best available techniques in terms of water management and energy recovery, with a clear aim: to minimize nuisance for local residents and the environment, while maintaining the impeccable quality of Lutosa’s famous French fries.

Lutosa invests in the future with cutting-edge technology and sustainable production at its Waregem site

A positive regional impact

At the heart of this ambitious industrial project lies a concrete and immediate social impact: the creation of around one hundred direct jobs at the Waregem site. These new opportunities involve a wide range of profiles, from production and maintenance to logistics, quality and technical management. 

This commitment to employment contributes to boosting the local economy and reinforcing Lutosa’s role as a major player in the West Flanders food industry. It is also in line with the company’s policy of retaining talented staff and providing ongoing training, with integrated career paths to support new employees in a modern, automated and sustainable working environment.

A project with strong local impact: around 100 new jobs to boost the regional economy and reinforce Lutosa’s presence in West Flanders, Belgium

 Completion scheduled for mid-2026

The new production lines will be operational in 2026, marking a major step in Lutosa’s evolution. This project is not just an investment in industrial facilities, it’s also a bet on local employment, sustainability and the future of the Belgian food industry.