On 12 April Ben Fresh, part of Greenyard Foods (Euronext Brussels, GRYFO), announced they intend to shut down logistic activities in Oevel. The plan concerns 84 jobs in the logistics department. Aim is to centralise these activities within the logistics department of Greenyard Foods in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. This intent is the result of strong growth of Ben Fresh within a quickly evolving fruits and vegetables market.
Ben Fresh could not grow further in Oevel
Thirty-five employees of Ben Fresh, active in administrative and commercial positions, could be employed in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. The net impact on employment is positively assessed due to the provided creation of extra jobs in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. Over the past years Ben Fresh, a successful direct-store-delivery specialist of fresh products, experienced a strong growth. This led to increasing logistic challenges, such as a lack of warehouse space. In order to continue growing and to answer to the evolutions in Belgian retail and changing trends in shop formats, Ben Fresh went looking for a solution.
Confirmation of this intent could result in the shutting down of logistical activities in Oevel. A new logistics platform would be used, managed by the logistics department of Greenyard Foods in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. This department is specialised in anticipating continually changing technical, logistical requirements. Expectations are that extra jobs will be created, with a net positive impact on employment in time. The employees of the logistics department in Oevel will be given the opportunity to apply for jobs in Sint-Katelijne-Waver.
Customers’ wants
This intent is based on a thorough analysis. Ben Fresh regrets the outcome and the effect the plan might have on the employees involved, and is committed to an open and constructive dialogue. The employees involved in the reorganisation are getting help finding a new job. Ben Fresh will be able to use the advanced facilities in the logistics department of Greenyard Foods. In this way it can best meet existing and future needs and wants of the customers.
Ben de Pelsmaeker, founder and co-owner of Ben Fresh:
“Change is never easy, but often necessary. We are confident that this plan will allow us to support the continued growth of Ben Fresh, to meet the evolutions in retailing and exploit new market opportunities.”
Marleen Vaesen, CEO of Greenyard Foods:
“This is a tough but necessary announcement. We regret the consequences this might have for the employees involved, but it is our collective responsibility to guarantee the healthiest future for Ben Fresh and to make the continued growth possible.”