German retailer Rewe has confirmed plans to close its bakery operations in Bergheim, near Cologne.
A spokesperson for the company told just-food today (17 July) it is planning to “give up” production operations at the Glocken Bäckerei facility, which it acquired in 2004 from insolvent bakery Hindermann.
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The closure is expected to affect around 37 employees. The retailer said it is making efforts to offer staff alternative employment throughout the company.
However, a spokesperson added: “At present, it is not yet clear whether and to what extent this will succeed.”
As a result of the facility closure, Rewe said it will also close its 46 Glocken bakery stores located mainly in North Rhine-Westfalia. The 250 employees are expected to be taken on by the future operators – “renowned local bakeries and bakery chains”, Rewe said. Talks are currently being held on which store locations will close.
“This step became necessary as, in the past years, Glocken Bäckerei was not able to achieve the market penetration which is essential for constant profitability,” the spokesperson said. “Moreover, high investments would have become due at the production operation for which a solution is worked out.”
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