News Milk
A-ware is considering a new factory in Belgium
A-ware is investigating the construction of a new cheese factory on the site of the former Olympia location in Flanders. This factory was closed more than a year ago.
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A-ware acquired Olympia in 2022, but decided in 2025 to the location to closeThis was because the factory proved to be outdated and unprofitable. The factory closed permanently in early April 2026, resulting in the loss of approximately 170 jobs. A-ware is now examining whether a completely new build on the same location would be profitable.
The dairy processor states in the Belgian media that it concerns a completely new and automated factory that must meet current requirements regarding the environment, efficiency, and quality. The focus is likely on cheese production, A-ware's core activity.
After summer
The plans are still in the research phase. A feasibility study, including regarding permits, is expected after the summer. Only then will the final decision be made. In both the Netherlands and Belgium, it is difficult to obtain a permit for the construction of factories. In that situation, it may be worthwhile to examine which still-valid permits are reusable.
For dairy farmers in the region, a new factory could have positive consequences. A-ware states that this allows local milk streams to be processed closer to home, which can strengthen regional sales and logistics.