German meat giant Tönnies is to buy two of the factories Netherlands-based meat producer Vion plans to close a factory in Germany and offload three others The pork and beef company said it is adjusting its strategy on its main markets including “downsizing through divestments and closures” due to increasing competition and the recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) Vion has signed agreements to sell three of its meat facilities in Germany but will close its pig plant in Emstek as it was unable to find a buyer German meat giant Tönnies Group will buy Vion’s cattle slaughterhouse and pre-packed facility in Altenburg in the Thuringia region of the country Tönnies also plans to acquire Ahlener Fleischhandel a ham processing plant in the Westphalia region Vion plans to sell a pig processing plant in Perleberg to meat processor Uhlen GmbH The contracts include the transfer of approximately 700 employees to the respective buyers Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis The transactions are expected to be finalised in the first quarter of this year and are subject to relevant regulatory approvals and certain closing conditions Vion said in its statement it “will maintain business relationships and fulfil all obligations until the final closure ensuring a seamless transition period for all partners in the chain” The Emstek pig processing facility is set to lose by the end of March The business said it has “made substantial efforts” to find a buyer for the factory but had not received “acceptable offers” The closure will “impact approximately 750 employees” Vion said it is “committed to supporting these employees in transitioning to new opportunities and to exploring potential employment alternatives” “The intended steps in Germany hold significant implications for our employees and business relationships,” Vion CEO Ronald Lotgerink said “We therefore carefully considered the changes to make our operations more efficient and flexible on our journey towards a future-proof organisation.” increasing competition and an annual decline in production in the beef sector are facing severe competition from the USA “The outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has not only led to the loss of significant export opportunities but has also intensified pressure on German meat companies the industry is focusing more on the domestic market together with political and regulatory challenges in the agricultural sector changing consumer behaviour and other factors resulted in declining herd sizes and high animal prices.” Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation This is your chance to showcase your achievements Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Bike Europe is a part of VMNmedia. The following rules apply to the use of this site: Terms of Use and Privacy / Cookie Statement | Privacy settings In just six months, SSI Schaefer was able to automate the existing mobile racking system at Ostendorf in Emstek using automated guided vehicles (AGV) and its WAMAS intralogistics software Right after the go-live in the middle of 2021 the positive impact of this partially automated logistics solution was clear and quantifiable: it ensures transparent error-free processes and makes the material flow resource-independent – and thus more efficient – in three-shift operations Achieving these objectives was an important step for this plastics specialist in order to meet its customers’ increasingly specific demands and strengthen its position on a highly competitive market Ostendorf Kunststoffe GmbH is one of the leading manufacturers of wastewater pipe systems in Germany and has sold these plastic pipes and polypropylene fittings since 1973 Its customers come from the construction industry which generally orders large quantities of a wide range of variants and operates in a cost-intensive environment Given its ongoing growth and the demand for shorter and shorter delivery times Ostendorf had already commissioned a new distribution centre at its headquarters in Vechta in 2017 for packaging-optimised overnight goods staging SSI Schaefer equipped the centre with an automatic channel storage system including SSI Orbiter load handling devices WAMAS intralogistics software and a conveyor system Ostendorf also faced the challenge of adapting processes to increasingly demanding market conditions Ostendorf entered into an agreement with a major construction industry customer for pre-picking goods onto mixed pallets there were more packaging materials and pallets that had to be kept on-hand and moved around the warehouse it is not easy to recruit qualified staff for the additional work involved as well as for three-shift operations – especially in the Oldenburg Münsterland region Ostendorf chose a partially automated plug-and-play solution from SSI Schaefer that could be installed quickly and is ideal specifically for smaller warehouses with moderate throughput rates combining automated guided vehicles (AGV) with the existing mobile racking system (MRS) handles the storage and retrieval processes and internal transport reliably offering Ostendorf the advantage of high process reliability around the clock Ostendorf chose SSI Schaefer because it wanted a single partner that could serve as the general contractor for the whole solution This made communication much easier and ensured a time-optimised project schedule the two companies already had good experience collaborating on other projects such as the high bay warehouse in Vechta and the mobile pallet racking system in Rain am Lech in which SSI Schaefer proved a reliable expert partner Ostendorf was already familiar with the WAMAS intralogistics software from the Vechta site and had had good experiences with it would have been wishful thinking and excessive,” reports Ludger Stroot operations manager for Emstek at Ostendorf “But we still wanted to introduce a certain degree of automation to get the benefits that come with it the automated guided vehicles were the appropriate technology and were just right for our comparatively low throughput.” “While the planning and implementation of a fully automated high bay warehouse we were able to achieve our objectives in less than six months thanks to partial automation.” This extremely manageable timeframe highlights the particular advantages of the scalable logistics solution that was introduced here: “The combination of a mobile racking system with automated guided vehicles is a mature standard and can be directly integrated into the customer’s warehouse structures,” explains Stefan Reichwald “The automated pallet handling solution immediately has positive effects on delivery reliability and quality SSI Schaefer successfully completed this partial automation project together with AGV specialist DS Automotion the partners set up an interface to the existing mobile racking system they were responsible for the integration of the AGVs and conveyor system and for the overall integration into Ostendorf’s WAMAS software environment “This was a comprehensive solution package so the decision to implement it in this form was an easy one,” emphasises Varelmann “The AGVs ensure a constant material flow in three-shift operation at Ostendorf; the processes are clearly structured and this approach virtually eliminates defects,” explains Roland Hieslmair whose current responsibilities include cross-process activities in the control centre All the processes are also clearly traceable via WAMAS reliable communication between the MRS and AGVs eliminates waiting times; as a vehicle approaches its destination aisle The software communicates with the mobile racking system via ProfiNet with barcode support “WAMAS sends the orders to DS Automotion’s fleet controller which you can think of as a kind of ‘dispatcher’,” explains Hieslmair The system simultaneously checks which vehicle is free and issues the transport command WAMAS makes sure the aisle opens promptly so the AGV can drive right in pick up the requested pallet and move it to the transfer point on the conveyor system The fleet controller notifies WAMAS that the order is complete and the AGV is now ready for its next task Linking DS Automotion’s solutions with SSI Schaefer’s portfolio offers customers the opportunity to reap the benefits of integrated solutions without interface problems; a central contact person is always available and laborious coordination among different systems is eliminated When companies grow and seek to increase the efficiency and quality of their order processing they – like Ostendorf at its Emstek site – often consider introducing software in conjunction with automated processes consisting initially of an MRS and two AGVs increases efficiency for this plastics specialist by having the AGVs operate continuously SSI Schaefer not only met Ostendorf’s time target for double cycle use but actually exceeded expectations; the AGVs complete the double cycles about 30% faster than even required If even higher performance is required in the future additional vehicles can be added without difficulty Modern sensor technology makes the vehicles safer for employees than conventional forklifts The same is true of the extremely space-efficient mobile racking systems which SSI Schaefer offers in combination with AGVs as a solution package from a single source exclusively Ostendorf hopes to repeat the success achieved in Emstek at another location the aim is to establish a solid operational foundation to perfectly meet the growing demands of the construction industry – for example It is also considering initial scenarios for construction of an automated small parts warehouse in Vechta Ludger Stroot and Lukas Varelmann agree: “The professional project management and fast implementation impressed us once again.” “The two sides worked in harmony The results we achieved were thoroughly positive and speak for themselves.” In partnership with SSI Schaefer Ostendorf has implemented an impressive partially automated warehouse solution They automated the existing mobile pallet racking by combining it with the new AGVs and connected both components to the new WAMAS software This solution gives Ostendorf an efficient transport and picking process and strengthens its competitive edge Tweet Logistics Business © 2025 All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Terms | Site Map Subscribe to our quarterly magazine and weekly newsletter to stay updated with the logistics industry By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Logistics Business for processing in accordance with our Privacy Policy International pork processor Vion has announced it is to close its slaughterhouse in the German city of Zeven where 121 people work The board said the company would instead focus and invest in its Emstek facility because this site is best suited to provide the necessary access to the global markets Vion said the decision had been made because the market for pork meat has changed in past years and it is now necessary to capture global market opportunities Vion at is loss making and has no possibility to operate profitably in the future The Emstek site provides an ideal bridge to regional and global markets thanks to its scale and its export licenses to most important export markets in Europe and globally Vion will further invest to expand Emstek’s capacity to 80,000 animals per week The termination of the slaughter and production at the location Zeven will be discussed during an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on 19 April Vion is an international meat producer with 25 production locations in the Netherlands and Germany and sales support offices in 16 countries around the globe In 2015 Vion realised a turnover of € 4.6 billion group editor Agronomist and Arable Farmer and Farm Contractor Former political editor at Farmers Guardian Works from a shed in his Oxfordshire garden Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker) we are relying on revenues from our banners So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.Thanks The German wholesale company Rosenbaum Group is about to open a huge branch in the Dutch Moerdijk industrial area The subsidiary RFV Fruits is currently moving into a high-tech building with an area of 20,000 m2 including 45 ripening rooms for both bananas and exotics sales will go out to both the main site in Cologne and Emstek as well as extensive exports to customers in 15 European countries The logistics center on the Dutch Moerdijk industrial areaMaturation & SalesThe complete quality control as well as the logistic process will then be directed from the giant complex in Moerdijk It is no coincidence that the ultramodern building has high-tech control equipment which makes it possible to measure the brix and juice content of exotic fruits such as mango A very important aspect of the new location "The building has 45 double ripening rooms about a quarter of which are for mango and avocado This ripening plant has a total area of 5,000 m2; The customs depot is 15,000 m2 This is bigger than all existing locations in Germany together The proximity of Rotterdam harbour in combination with the existing infrastructure make Moerdijk a perfect location," said Leon Siborgs The Moerdijk location will also have a completely different function than the German branches Where Cologne and Emstek mainly focus on the smaller 'Colli' deliveries the Dutch branch will focus exclusively on large-scale sales In addition to the maturing and transport on behalf of the main branches in Cologne and Emstek distribution to wholesale companies in 15 European countries will be the main task of the new branche Siborgs: “Even the separate banana trade in Germany will be partially housed in Moerdijk and will get a new function This will become clearer in the near future." RFV Fruits Netherlands B.V.Middenweg 35A4782 PM MoerdijkTel.: 0031 - (0)168-350-100Mail: [email protected] FreshPublishers © 2005-2025 FreshPlaza.com Renowned Oldenburg horse breeder Georg Sieverding has passed away at age 78 on 11 April 2018 Sieverding suffered a severe head injury in the summer of 2016 after getting kicked by a young mare being turned out in the field He was hospitalized for a very lengthy period Despite all efforts from the doctors and his family Georg Sieverding was one of the most successful dressage horse breeders in recent years having bred no less than 11 licensed stallions; The Emstek based Sieverding credited Georg Vorwerk as his long-time friend and advisor for horse breeding Sieverding's breeding line went back on two main mares:  the French bred Mexicane (by Mexico) She was bred to Shikampur and produced the filly Mon Amour who was bred to Weltmeister and produced Maureen Maureen brought Marella (by Classiker) and her paired to Donnerhall produced Sieverding's two most successful mares ever: Maradita and Maradonna Maradita sired the Oldenburg Licensing Champion Sieger Hit (by Sandro Hit) and licensed stallion Silver Black (by Sandro hit) while Maradonna produced the Oldenburg Licensing Champion Furstenball (by Furst Heinrich) as well as licensed stallions Desiderio (by Dimaggio) and Winehouse (by Wynton) as well as Charlotte Dujardin's rising young horse Mount St Sieverding further bred the World Young Horse Championship silver medal winning licensed stallion Floricello (by Florencio x Dormello) For his lifetime achievements as a breeder Sieverding was decorated with the Golden Honorary Needle by the Oldenburg society in 2005 Stalls for Rent at Durondeau Dressage in Peer, Belgium Exceptionally Well Located Equestrian Facility in Wellington, Florida Well-built Equestrian Estate With Multiple Business Opportunities in Sweden Stable Units for Rent at Lotje Schoots' Equestrian Center in Houten (NED) For Rent: Several Apartments and Stable Wing at High-End Equestrian Facility Stable Wing Available at Reiterhof Wensing on Dutch/German border Real Estate: Well-Appointed Country House with Extensive Equestrian Facility in the U.K. Rémi Blot Kalkhoff bicycle production is switching to low-temperature powder coatings promising significant advances in energy efficiency This innovative technology is now being used in the company’s ultra-modern paint shop in Emstek near Cloppenburg Kalkhoff is thus underlining the quality claim of the “Made in Germany” label Paintwork plays a central role in bicycle production — it not only ensures visual appeal but also provides essential protection for the bicycle frames In order to offer customers the highest quality the e-bikes are painted directly at the Kalkhoff plant in northern Germany Only high-quality low-temperature powder coatings are now used as a primer The switch to low-temperature powder coatings is a step in this direction,” explains Amelie Möller “The lower temperature during curing means we can not only save energy but also reduce costs — without compromising on quality.” Low-temperature powder coatings consist of fine plastic particles pigments and additives and cure at significantly lower temperatures than conventional powder coatings This reduction brings considerable advantages in terms of energy consumption and reduces CO₂ emissions “The low-temperature powder offers the same high-quality technological properties as conventional powder ensures a glossy finish and is resistant to mechanical stress The big difference lies in the increased energy efficiency as less gas is required due to the lower temperatures.” The resulting gas savings are equivalent to the annual energy consumption of several German households and mark a further step in Kalkhoff’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions The implementation of this new technology was a comprehensive process that took more than a year — from the initial idea to official integration into the production process and after promising results and intensive test phases the changeover was completed in late fall 2024 This article contains partner links to webshops If a sale is made through one of these links There are no disadvantages or additional costs for the buyer Paid cooperation with selected partners may be possible Such articles are then marked as Sponsored Post You need to load content from reCAPTCHA to submit the form Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.