Belgium company takes over cheese factory and packaging unit from Arla | Progresiv
Belgium company Vache Bleue takes over the cheese factory from Arla Foods in the German town of Bad Wörishofen. In addition, Vache Bleu also becomes the owner of Arla's cheese packaging company in Alsace. The Belgian private company thus sees its annual turnover more than double from 65 million euros to 160 million euros. It is also the first time that Vache Bleue, grown as a cheese wholesaler, has started to focus on production. 
The transfer of the two production and processing plants to Vache Bleue must be completed by the end of March 2019. "It has always been our intention to produce our own cheese", says co-CEO David Parent of Vache Bleue. "With the takeover of the cheese factory in Bad Wörishofen, this dream is now becoming reality."
The second CEO of the company, Free Vroome, adds: "The acquisition of this well-managed Arla plant, with its skilled production staff and management, fits perfectly with our growth strategy, and will also help us to increase the value and supply chains. our company. " The Vache Bleue business owners emphasize the top quality of the Allgäu Emmentaler, which is produced in a region known for its high milk quality.
With the top cheese, the company wants to continue its future expansion, with a focus on export. "The acquisition of the packaging company in Alsace will considerably facilitate our entry into the French market and the well-known brand Valmartin immediately guarantees us a strong position, even in the French overseas territories," explains Free Vroome.
Vache Bleue will continue to operate the two sites in their current form. The company guarantees employment to all 73 employees in production and administration at the German site in Bad Wörishofen. The employment conditions remain unchanged. Vache Bleue plans to fully utilize the maximum annual capacity of 18,000 tons at the Allgäu site. The 50 employees of the cheese processor Martin Sengelé Produits Laitiers in Alsace can also look forward to continuity. Vache Bleue also plans to run the French company unchanged. (www.landbouwleven.be)
