French Dairy Giant to Shut Down Plant-Based Yogurt Facility
Danone, the French multinational food-products corporation, has announced its intention to close its dairy and plant-based yogurts facility in Parets del Vallès, Spain, situated north of Barcelona. This decision marks a significant shift in the company’s production strategy.
Negotiations Begin Over Factory Closure
Danone revealed that it has initiated negotiations regarding the potential shutdown of the Parets del Vallès plant. This process involves discussions with the legal representatives of the workers. Spanish news agency Europa Press reports that approximately 157 workers are likely to be affected by the facility’s closure.
Local Trade Union Opposes the Shutdown
The Catalonian trade union, Comissió Obrera Nacional de Catalunya (CCOO CAT), has confirmed that Danone has communicated its decision to the CCOO CAT works council. The union strongly opposes the closure and is calling on Danone to reconsider, advocating for an industrial plan that ensures the site’s continued operation and job preservation.
Danone’s Rationalization for Closure: Competitive and Efficient
Danone stated that the closure is part of a local rationalization process aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of its brands and achieving greater industrial efficiency. The company is committed to working with worker representatives to find the best possible solutions to minimize the impact on employees. Efforts will be made to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties and to mitigate the consequences of this announcement.
Focus on Reindustrialization and Minimizing Labor Impact
The dairy giant is also striving to promote reindustrialization to maintain industrial continuity in the region and reduce the labor impact. Europa Press has reported that Danone is actively seeking a new buyer for the plant.
Investment History at the Parets del Vallès Site
Back in 2021, Danone invested around €12 million in installing a new plant-based production line at this Catalonian facility. This line was dedicated to manufacturing the Alpro coconut and oat-based yogurt brand. The Parets del Vallès site was Danone’s first European facility to simultaneously produce dairy and dairy-alternative products.