The American chicken meat processor Tyson Foods is leaving Oosterwolde. 263 people, mostly from the municipality of Ooststellingwerf, are left without work.
The company informed councilor Jan van Weperen of this on Thursday afternoon. The 263 employees were informed shortly before this. “A very sad announcement and very painful for the employees,” says the councilor. “About two-thirds of the employees live in our municipality.”
Difficult decision
Chicken meat products such as chicken nuggets and cordon bleus are made in the factory. The American multinational has invested millions in a new production hall in recent years, so that the company can properly serve the market in Western Europe.
The location in Oosterwolde was previously known under the names Plusfood, Plukon and Friki. “It is a company that we are proud of in Ooststellingwerf. Some employees have been working there for more than thirty years.”
A major fire in December changed everything. Production virtually came to a standstill, causing employees to sit at home. According to Van Weperen, the closure of the branch has everything to do with the destruction caused by the fire. “If it hadn’t been for that fire, they would have been running at full production right now. I think they in America weighed things up before making this difficult decision.”
What now?
Tyson Foods could not be reached for comment Thursday evening. The company has informed the municipality that discussions will be held with the works council on Friday to arrive at a social plan.
Van Weperen does not yet know what should happen to the enormous production location. “That’s up to Tyson. I can imagine that they offer this place to another interested slaughterhouse.”