Vion has announced plans to close a pork production site in the Netherlands, as it works to further consolidate output.

The company said production at its Vion Food Helmond site will be switched to its Vion Food Boxtel facility 36km further north. The move will lead to 130 jobs being lost.

“This efficiency measure is necessary to restore results on the highly competitive pork market,” the group emphasised.

Vion has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring programme that has seen it separate its food and ingredients interestsin a bid to improve profitability at its struggling food business. The company is restructuring its operations in the Netherlands and Germany, where it is increasing its focus on the pork and beef markets. Vion said the decision to shutter Vion Helmond was part of this process.

The changes in the Netherlands and Germany follow a decision last year to quit the UK.