Sano Gluten Free is a manufacturer of gluten-free food products. Currently, it focuses on the production and sale of bakery items (mainly rolls and breads). The products offered by Sano are of high quality, as confirmed by the Crossed Ear symbol within the European Licensing System (ELS). 

Mercaton SICAV decided to invest in the project due to: 

1. Growing Demand for Gluten-Free Products: The market for gluten-free products is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing consumer awareness and dietary preferences. 

2. High Automation Potential: The project offers significant opportunities for automating production processes and introducing new products, enabling swift scaling of operations. 

3. Special Situation: The investment was also influenced by a unique circumstance, specifically the owner's illness and the lack of succession planning. 

The company aims to enhance its production capacity and efficiency through several key initiatives: 

1. Automation: Implementation of a dividing machine to boost production capacity, reduce waste, and improve product consistency (DONE). Installation of cooling infrastructure to speed up the cooling and aging process, and acquisition of a labeling machine and plate washer to streamline these processes. 

2. Storage Expansion: Building a new warehouse next to the main facility and erecting a container warehouse, with plans to rent or purchase a larger warehouse as demand increases. 

3. Focus on Overseas Sales: The company has increased foreign sales from 10% to 90% of total revenue, driven by higher unit selling prices and the need for high production capacity to meet overseas demand. 

4. New Products: Plans to introduce new gluten-free products, including sugary snacks (candy bars, cookies, meringues), salty snacks (crisps), gluten-free pasta, and condiments.