Vion plans to relocate Apeldoorn pig slaughtering operations

Vion plans to sell its Apeldoorn site to a third party. If the sale is completed successfully, Vion will transfer the pig slaughterhouse’s operations to its other Dutch sites. The plan will affect approximately 300 employees in Apeldoorn. Vion announced the plan on October 6, 2026.

Adjusting capacity as pig numbers fall

The number of pigs in the Netherlands is declining, partly due to government measures. As a result, available volumes are falling and Vion has more production capacity than it needs. The company wants to bring capacity more closely in line with those volumes.

Vion plans to redistribute only its existing production volumes across other sites. According to Vion, a significant share of processing capacity will remain available within its Dutch production network. The company aims to ensure continuity for suppliers and customers. If the sale progresses smoothly, Vion expects to relocate production before the end of 2026.

Internal transfer opportunities

Vion is assessing whether employees can move to other sites within the organization. The company is considering Boxtel, Groenlo and Scherpenzeel, among other locations. It expects opportunities for a large proportion of these employees to continue working at Vion.

Vion has already made gradual adjustments to its staffing levels. These changes included natural attrition and retirements. Vion also reduced its use of external staff and did not renew temporary contracts.

Vion is holding individual meetings with employees to discuss their options. The company is drawing up a social plan in consultation with the unions. Vion will actively support employees through the next steps.

Vionfoodgroup.com