Ence’s biofactory in Pontevedra has started its annual technical shutdown, which will continue until September 25. During this period, around 1,500 additional professionals will join the regular workforce to carry out maintenance and improvement tasks at the facilities. The company will allocate more than €11 million to this operation, with the aim of strengthening the operational efficiency of the biofactory, raising industrial safety standards, and further enhancing the environmental performance of its processes. This investment reflects Ence’s commitment to maintaining the Pontevedra facilities as a benchmark in sustainability, innovation, and excellence within the sector.
Safety and health as a priority
Of the total planned investment, €5 million will be devoted to preventive and corrective maintenance tasks, aimed at ensuring the reliability of equipment. The remainder will be channeled into strategic projects focused on technological improvement, energy optimization, environmental impact reduction, and enhanced facility safety. Ence will place particular emphasis on occupational health and safety, as it does during regular operations, while also reinforcing oversight to ensure full compliance with all preventive measures throughout the works.
Commitment to Pontevedra and Galicia
The technical shutdown also has a positive impact on the local economy. A significant portion of the auxiliary companies involved are Galician, and other associated services such as accommodation and catering for workers will be provided by local businesses.
For Ence, the annual technical shutdown is a structural element of its management model, focused on continuous improvement, environmental excellence, and community engagement. The Pontevedra biofactory has been recognized with the 2023 AENOR Award for two decades of environmental stewardship. The plant has also been awarded the Nordic Swan eco-label, the European Commission’s Gold Medal for environmental improvement, and the AENOR “Zero Waste” certification. Furthermore, the biomass it uses is certified by Sure, which guarantees the sustainability of the raw materials employed in its processes.
At a global level, the Ence Group holds the Platinum Medal from Ecovadis, the highest international recognition in ESG criteria.
