Mars to close factory in Belgium

Mars is looking to shut a Ben’s Original factory in Belgium, placing approximately 80 positions in jeopardy, Just Food reports.

In a statement yesterday (12 November), the US company announced plans to “carry out a collective redundancy” at the plant in the town of Olen by the end of next year.

Mars, present in Belgium since 1962, attributed the decision to economic reasons, citing a “sharp decline in production volumes” and a “sharp rise in costs”.

The reasons, it said, led to “underutilisation of the plant and has a significant impact on efficiency”.

The facility produces Ben’s Original rice. If the closure proceeds, the company plans to use an external manufacturer to supply the products in Europe.

“We are not taking this announcement of the intention to close and lay off employees lightly. Our priority now is to conduct a constructive and transparent information and consultation process,” the privately-owned group added.

Mars employs more than 700 people in Belgium. The company has two offices in Belgium, including the global headquarters of Mars Petcare, a diagnostic laboratory, several veterinary clinics and one factory – the Olen site.

The planned closure comes as the group prepares to invest €1bn ($1.16bn) in production and R&D across 2025 and 2026, including projects in France, Poland and Spain.

In September, Mars said it aims to build “a stronger, more resilient business in Europe”.

Mars is also in the process of acquiring Kellanova, a global snacking company, for approximately $36bn, and is awaiting the EU’s decision on the deal.