Royal Swinkels plans to move bottling at its Belgian brewer Palm, pointing to falling consumption in the country.
The Netherlands-based brewer intends to shift bottling from its Palm brewery in Steenhuffel to other undisclosed sites.
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Swinkels pointed to “significant pressure” on Belgium’s beer market, as well as further afield in western Europe. Falling consumption had led to over-capacity, the company said, adding lines at the Steenhuffel filling lines are nearing the end of their economic life.
Brewing at the Palm “will continue unchanged”, Swinkels said.
A second site further west in Roeselare will also continue to can products. Swinkels’ local commercial operations will also remain at the site.
Under the plans, 33 jobs at the Steenhuffel facility will be axed. Some 147 staff work at the site.
Palm MD Sven Stuer said: “Palm NV has a rich history in Steenhuffel and will continue to play an important role within Royal Swinkels in the future. By reorganising our filling operations, we are creating room to further strengthen our brands and brewing activities and to develop new markets.”
Just Drinks asked Swinkels for further details on which sites will take on the bottling carried out at the Steenhuffel facility and the cost savings the company expects from the move.
Swinkels, which is in talks with staff representatives, directed Just Drinks to its statement.
