There is mourning about the departure of Groentebedrijf Hessing from Zwaagdijk. A real West Frisian company and a household name in the region. When the factory closes, 280 jobs will also disappear. A new home in West Friesland is still being sought for the office staff.
One day after the announcement there are still many emotions on the work floor, explains director Frank Hessing. “Everyone is having a hard time. That is an understandable reaction and we want to give room for that. I personally have had a little longer to prepare emotionally for it. But this is better for the longer term of our company.”
A delayed start with extra costs for the new factory in Venlo, inflation and a lower demand for pre-cut vegetables are the reasons for the departure. The entire production is now moving to Venlo. “Close to the largest horticultural areas in the Netherlands and close to our customers,” said the director about that before.
Hans-Peter Baars, chairman of the Westfriese Bedrijven Group, says in an initial response that he understands the motivation for the closure. “We respect the choice. But it is of course a great shame that such a large and respected family business, with such a history, disappears from West Friesland.”
Alderman for economics in Medemblik, Harry Nederpelt, also regrets the departure: “The fact that it now appears that virtually all activities are going to Venlo also comes as a surprise to us. We think it is a shame that such a great company feels forced to move to another municipality. We especially regret what this means for the people who have been working there, sometimes for years. Hopefully they will be well received and guided to new work. It is a small piece of luck that we are currently in a favorable economic period, where the demand for people is high.”
Transporter for Hessing has no problem
Van Straalen De Vries from Zwaagdijk has been providing transport since last year for Hessing. Yet they are not experiencing any problems due to the closure of the Hessing factory. “Not much will change for us. We would already be active in Venlo, where the new Hessing factory is located. We then also took over Hessing’s employees. On the other hand, it is your neighbor. And for the people who working there, it is really annoying that Hessing is leaving,” said Pieter Jan Stadt of the transport company.
The factory must be closed before the end of July, i.e. before the summer holidays. In the next three weeks, employees will be invited for a personal interview. About how long there will be work for them, any severance payment and its amount and how they can be helped to find a new job.
Work to work center to find new work
The intention is to set up a work-to-work center. There will be a talent/motivation workshop, help with creating a CV and job application training. In addition, a job market is organized with local companies.
“For the flexible employees, we are looking at whether some of them can also move to Venlo. Of course, the door is also open to permanent employees of ours here who would like to do so,” explains director Frank Hessing.
Office staff to the Wervershoof area
In the meantime, a new place for the office staff is also being sought. The head office is attached to the factory in Zwaagdijk. And that property is being sold. “We are looking for a location near Wervershoof. It must be within cycling distance of the village.”