Vion Closes Meat Processing Plant in Gilden: Restructuring Production

The European meat processing holding Vion has announced the final closure of its meat deboning division in the city of Gilden (Germany) as part of a large-scale restructuring of its European production facilities.

This is reported by AgroReview

Changes in Production Structure and Employee Support

The company has already informed the staff and the works council about the upcoming cessation of operations at the facility. The completion of the production process is scheduled for February 28, 2026 — this timeline depends on the finalization of Vion’s asset consolidation. The closure will affect approximately 160 employees, for whom the company will initiate official consultations with the works council regarding social protection and possible support measures. The option of transferring some staff to other production sites within the group is also being considered.

Redistribution of Production and Company Strategy

To ensure continuous supply to customers, the company plans to utilize alternative production platforms. The volumes of products previously processed in Gilden will be redistributed among other Vion facilities, and raw materials will be redirected to new locations. According to Vion representatives, the decision to close is linked to broader European changes in the meat processing sector: due to increasing pressure on capacity utilization and the need to enhance efficiency, the company is optimizing its asset structure. Vion will continue operations at several production and processing sites in Europe, adapting its business model to current market conditions.

For reference: Vion is an international producer of meat (pork, beef), meat products, and plant-based alternatives, with production facilities in the Netherlands and Germany. The company’s revenue amounts to 4.6 billion euros, and it employs 8,400 people.