Today was our last formal class in France. We concluded the French language class, and unfortunately I am just as helpless in French as I was two weeks ago.
After class ended, we had a long break before our biscuit company tour so a group of us shopped near the capitole. I found a few good bargains at h&m, but my shopping really needs to come to an end now. Then Alex, Colton, Courtney, Kara, Tyler, and I had a picnic lunch at the park. It was a fun afternoon with friends before we got serious about business!
The tour was of Poult, a manufacturer of typical French biscuits and cookies that sells to private labels. The biscuits are not typical American biscuits; they're actually plainer cookies. The private labels for French supermarkets are very popular. Many of the cookies we saw today are sold in Carrefours and Casinos.
The plant and the operations was super neat though. I have never seen a plant inside, so I enjoyed the explanations of the process from start to finish, how the machines add efficiency, and the role of humans in quality control. One of the most interesting parts of the process was the labeling and packaging. We then had a presentation on the structure of the company and how they restructured several years ago, relying heavily on the input of employees. They are organized by product lines, making certain lines in specific plants across France. Poult highly values relationships with suppliers and the creativity of employees. Ant employee with a new idea can form a group and try to implement their idea. They also give them a lot of free reign and personal responsibility. It has proven successful for their business model! And we received lots of delicious cookies as well :)
This evening we are having rabbit for dinner with our family. I can't believe we only have one more family meal, since we have a boat cruise Friday and leave Saturday! It flew by!
Tomorrow we are visiting the chamber if commerce and a winery! Should be another great day!
highly
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