In the German town of Schermen an old shed is being renovated. It has become clear during the last few weeks that a lot of work is being done there. Outside one can already see the new company logo. During the latest meeting of the village council it was mentioned that a vegetable processor would work from there. Many a council member became worried. Would this generate a bad smell, lorry traffic and danger because of accidents? It was even contemplated to form a citizen initiative in case the information was correct.
"However, all this is not true," Dirk Cornette, export manager of Herbort Gmbh, the company which will occupy the premises, says. "It does, however, have something to do with vegetables," he mentions with a laugh. "Herbort have been specialised in the production of machines for the food industry for more than 90 years."
In Schermen a logistic centre is being developed. From here mainly cutting machines for the vegetable processing industry and conveyor belts will be sent by road to clients.
The Belgian concern Spiessens is behind this, which amongst others manufacture complete production lines for the food industry. The cutting machines, which are being built in the Herbort factory in Hannover, will be integrated in these lines. There is no intention to start production in Schermen, as per Cornette. The building will only be used as distribution area and storage for back-up parts. Cornette optimistically thinks that all will be ready by the end of September.