Premium Food Group (PFG), formerly trading as Tönnies, is set to close its ham production facility in Ahlen, Germany.
The rebranding of the company, effective this year, signifies a strategic shift as PFG intends to consolidate its ham production at its primary site in Rheda-Wiedenbrück by June 1.
Germany-based PFG stated that future ham processing and supply will primarily occur at the Rheda-Wiedenbrück and Sögel facilities in Lower Saxony.
By consolidating production in Rheda-Wiedenbrück and relocating partial quantities to Sögel, PFG aims to leverage “strong synergies,” positioning the ham-cutting division for future success.
Frank Böckenkötter, managing director in Ahlen, noted that the site has “no longer been able to maintain high capacity utilisation,” thereby making consolidation at Rheda imperative.
The majority of the workforce will receive job offers at the Rheda location, with staff informed about the plans earlier this week.
Christian Nottbrock, managing director of Tönnies, expressed, “We are delighted to be able to offer the majority of our 210 colleagues a job.”
He added, “Nevertheless, we are aware of the upcoming changes and consequences for everyone involved and will accompany them responsibly and closely.”
PFG also assured that this consolidation will not impact delivery capabilities, customer-supplier relationships, or contracts.
Gradually, the Ahlen site will be phased out, with machinery either relocated to other locations or sold. The company is “examining” various potential uses for the facility.
This move follows the closure of one of PFG’s export packaging departments for Asia in March of last year, a decision impacting around 140 employees.
With over 15,000 employees, this family-run business serves “millions of consumers” each day with a diverse range of food products.
In September, PFG (formerly Tönnies) successfully struck a deal to acquire beef assets from Vion, a Netherlands-based peer.
