Restructuring
The Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel wants to reform its organization and eliminate 130 of the 1,500 jobs in Belgium. Consultations on the restructuring will start with the trade unions.
The intervention is necessary after loss figures in 2023, it is said. “A very turbulent global dairy market, both on the demand and supply sides, requires more flexibility.” The company says it could not immediately pass on its increased costs for energy, raw materials, services and wages.
Milcobel wants to make the organization more efficient and plans to partially scale back the milk powder activities in Kallo, East Flanders, from September. The company says it is open to the possible repurposing of installations that become available, for example for plant-based alternatives or for production for third parties.
Jobs are disappearing mainly in Kallo – “more than half” – but also in branches in Bruges, Langemark and Moorslede. The company is also taking other measures. For example, no management bonuses will be paid, new vacancies will be limited and the company will reduce the number of external consultants.
