FrieslandCampina to streamline production network in Netherlands

NETHERLANDS – FrieslandCampina, a leading global dairy company, has announced plans to streamline its production network in the Netherlands, a move expected to lead to the elimination of 186 jobs.

The decision is part of the company’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and sustainability while enhancing its competitiveness in the market.

The company will concentrate production activities at its Leeuwarden facility, located in the southern part of the site, and phase out operations in the northern section.

This reorganization is expected to result in improved cost-effectiveness and logistics, as it will eliminate the need for significant investment in renewing the northern area.

Additionally, the closure addresses the logistical challenge posed by the division of the site by a public road and railway line.

The phased process will culminate in the cessation of sweetened condensed milk production by June 1, 2026, with production being outsourced to Hochwald, a fellow dairy cooperative based in Boswald.

As part of a strategic partnership, FrieslandCampina will then produce evaporated milk in Leeuwarden for Hochwald, reinforcing the companies’ alignment in sustainable manufacturing and bolstering resilience in their production processes.

This reorganization will also affect the workforce at the Leeuwarden site, where 87 of the 927 positions will be eliminated. The remaining products manufactured at the northern section of the site will be relocated to other FrieslandCampina facilities within its global network.

FrieslandCampina’s restructuring plan extends to its Born facility, where the production of natural cheese will be moved to Workum by May 10, 2025. This relocation will result in 99 job cuts at the Born site.

David Cutter, Chief Supply Chain and Research & Development Officer at FrieslandCampina, explained the rationale behind the changes.

“FrieslandCampina must continue to operate cost-effectively, sustainably, and in a future-proof manner. This is why we are always looking for opportunities to optimize our production network,” Cutter stated.

He acknowledged the impact the restructuring will have on employees and emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting those affected.

“We are aware of the significant impact that the announced steps will have on our employees and will support them as much as possible in finding new employment, either within or outside our organization,” he said.

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