Tönnies pumps a lot of money into slaughter location

Tönnies is going to invest millions of euros in a slaughterhouse in northern Germany. More than 2 years ago, Tönnies took over Thomsen slaughterhouse in Kellinghusen (Schleswig-Holstein). The slaughter location is now being prepared to slaughter pigs using the most modern techniques.

In total, approximately 19,5 million euros is pumped into the slaughter location. The renovation should be completed by the end of November. Although, according to Frank Duffe, member of the board of directors at Tönnies, it is not really possible to speak of a renovation. 'For animal welfare and environmental aspects, the most modern techniques are installed, whereby a high degree of automation is applied.' That is why, according to Duffe, the project is very similar to new construction.  

Stretching slaughter capacity
The slaughter capacity is also being expanded. There is currently room for 12.000 pigs per week. In the future, the slaughter capacity must be large enough for 1,7 million slaughters per year. Calculated this is more than 30.000 slaughters per week. Tönnies will also be slaughtering organic pigs in Kellinghusen.

Because of export requirements, cattle are not slaughtered here. According to Duffe, combination slaughterhouses are actually outdated.  

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.