Barry Callebaut slashes 168 jobs in Belgium amid restructuring turmoil
- Barry Callebaut is cutting over 500 jobs across Belgium, particularly affecting communities in Lokeren, Wieze, and Halle.
- The job losses in Halle have been reduced to 18, thanks to negotiations facilitated by the union and a better economic outlook.
- This restructuring is part of a CHF 500 million investment aimed at saving the company CHF 250 million annually.
In Belgium, Barry Callebaut has announced significant job cuts totaling over 500 positions across several locations, including Lokeren, Wieze, and Halle. Initially, the chocolate manufacturer aimed to cut 500 jobs, but negotiations and social agreements have led to a reduction in these numbers. As of now, 150 job losses are confirmed in Lokeren and Wieze, with only 18 remaining in Halle after a series of discussions. Notably, the breakdown of losses in Halle consists of 12 blue-collar and 6 white-collar positions. The decision to reduce the job cuts has been attributed to the Renault law, which enabled a thorough review of each job position, giving the opportunity to explore alternatives to layoffs. The ABWV union representative, Van der Meeren, expressed that while any job loss is regrettable, he sees the reduction from the original proposal as a significant achievement. This process was made feasible due to the union's familiarity with the company's operations and the economic context in which they are operating. CEO Peter Feld has introduced plans for a substantial CHF 500 million investment, which aims to not only streamline operations but also to save CHF 250 million annually for the company. This investment is expected to enhance the company’s competitiveness and sustainability going forward. The situation has raised concerns yet also hopes, as better economic indicators and the potential for new investments from the Swiss head office have played a role in negotiating the lower number of job losses. The job cuts are part of a broader initiative to reorganize and adapt Barry Callebaut’s workforce to current market conditions and company goals. Observers highlight that the company’s proactive measures to mitigate the impact of job cuts on employees indicate an adaptive approach in a dynamic industry. As companies like Barry Callebaut navigate economic pressures and seek efficiency, the drive for investments combined with responsibility towards employees reflects a balancing act of corporate strategy.