FrieslandCampina closing Rijkevoort dairy plant

The plant in eastern Netherlands, close to the German border, produces, among other things, film-ripened cheese.

The company said the decision to close the Rijkevoort site was taken because of “the current production capacity of FrieslandCampina Dairy Essentials in relation to new insights into future milk volume developments.”

It added cost considerations played an important role.

Hans Meeuwis, president FrieslandCampina Dairy Essentials, said, "We are constantly looking for ways to further improve our position with regard to milk processing, value creation and cost optimization. Of course we do this with all interests in consideration and with the long term in mind. After careful consideration, this has led to the intention to close our site in Rijkevoort and to relocate production elsewhere in our network. I am aware that this decision has a major impact on the employees and we will of course support them as best we can in this process.”​

As a result of the closure, no new jobs will be created at other FrieslandCampina sites.

Employees and trade unions have been informed and the works council has been asked for advice. The Social Plan of FrieslandCampina will apply to employees with an employment agreement for an indefinite time. The company said it will support those affected in finding a new job within or outside FrieslandCampina.