SPIE is supporting Bretagne Pellets in optimising its production of wood briquettes

Cergy, 4 December 2025 – SPIE Industrie, a French subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is supporting Bretagne Pellets, the leading producer of Breton wood pellets, in optimising its production of wood pellets at its site in Mauron, Morbihan. This working partnership is an example of SPIE Industrie's commitment to supporting the energy transition by optimising the production of renewable resources.

In a rapidly expanding market, which saw French wood pellet production increase to 2.3 million tonnes in 2023 and which aims to achieve a target of 3 million tonnes by 2030 (source: Propellet)^[1], Bretagne Pellets sought out the expertise of SPIE Industrie's teams to automate its processes while optimising its wood briquette production rates.

From design through to commissioning, the SPIE Industrie teams have used their knowledge and expertise in industrial robotisation and have implemented several technological innovations: an AI visual control system ensures the quality of the briquettes as they leave the extruder, while a specially designed distribution hub handles the various packaging formats. A conveyor belt system then routes the products to a flexible palletising unit, which is suitable for all formats.

The performance of this automated line holds up to industrial requirements, with a processing capacity of up to 34 logs per minute, the equivalent of 3 tonnes per hour. This rate is maintained thanks to the simultaneous management of the various packaging formats - RSCs, wrap-around cases, pallets and, a major innovation, Kraft paper bags. This latter solution, which is usually reserved for bulk products, has been specially adapted for the packaging of solid briquettes, demonstrating SPIE Industrie's ability to innovate in the optimisation of industrial processes.

In terms of use, the installation is fitted with an intuitive interface, which ensures optimal ergonomics for operators while adapting to the various types of packaging. Its intelligent design, which prioritises quick access to components, facilitates maintenance and minimises downtime. The system ensures continuous operation without human intervention, thereby guaranteeing the rate of production.

"Our in-depth knowledge of the challenges the customer faces, resulting from a previous successful working partnership, together with the excellence of our technical solution, which makes it possible to reach speeds of 34 logs per minute, were decisive in winning this contract," says Dorothée GILBERT, Head of the Department of Production & Mechanical Engineering at SPIE Industrie. "By working hand in hand with the Bretagne Pellets teams, we were able to work together to create a solution that is perfectly adapted to their needs. This collaborative approach allowed us to develop a bespoke proposal in less than two months, demonstrating our flexibility and expertise in the sector."