News Potatoes
Uncertainty around new Clarebout factory
The French fries producer Clarebout Potatoes had designated a location in Frameries in Wallonia for a new fries factory. It previously built a storage shed for potatoes there. Now it suddenly appears that this location is not certain. Does the growing protest play a role?
The current owner of the site: Intermunicipal IDEA previously reported that the location not suitable is for Clarebout. At the beginning of this year, it started a feasibility study. The French fries producer itself says that it is not officially aware of this decision.
A new chip factory in this area is interesting for Clarebout. It has storage and the region is ideally suited for potato cultivation. Despite the promise of up to 300 jobs, this region was not happy with the plans. There was continuous protest. IDEA has not reported whether this is also the reason that the location is now considered unsuitable.
No alternatives
However, no alternative locations have yet been found. It has been looking for other places for several months now. Clarebout itself reports to the Belgian media that the feasibility study will be published this summer. However, IDEA says the company has lost the pre-emptive right to the ground. Other interested parties can also register.
Clarebout wanted to start construction at the end of this year, or early 2020 at the latest. This involves approximately €300 million. Since this region has a lot of unemployment, the plan was initially experienced as positive. However, the inhabitants of the village now fear nuisance from the stench and transport movements. They are angry with owner IDEA and local politics. IDEA even filed an official complaint to threats and intimidation.
Niels van der Boom
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