Vion stops bacon production in Valkenswaard

Vion Pork intends to close Vleesindustrie Valkenswaard and transfer its activities to other Vion locations. This should lead to a broader product spectrum for customers and give an impulse to efficiency and sustainable working methods within the company.

The closure of the location in Valkenswaard and the redistribution of all activities must be completed in the first quarter of 2020. John de Jonge, the COO of Vion Pork, says in a statement that this is an important step for Vion. "Our customers can choose from a wider range of products."

Bacon is produced at the location in Valkenswaard. The production of 'Japan bacon' will be taken over by the Vion sites in Scherpenzeel and Emstek. The remaining production, the largest part of the current activities in Valkenswaard, goes to Encebe Vleeswaren.

Other technique
Encebe Vleeswaren has invested in a new production technique, enabling Vion to offer a broader product range. Only bacon from Dutch and German pigs is processed here. In the new situation, the bacon is available in all quality standards (QS, Good Farming Organic, Good Farming Star, Good Farming Balance).

"The relocation of the activities also leads to more efficiency and more sustainable production," says De Jonge. "The number of transport movements is decreasing and internal logistics at Vion are improving. Optimizing the production chain is one of the spearheads of our strategy."

New workplace for 40 employees
The management of Vion Pork submitted the proposed plan to the Central Works Council for advice on Wednesday 3 July. It is expected that almost all 40 Valkenswaard employees will be able to work at one of the other Vion locations. Consultations with the trade unions will take place in the near future.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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