Potato Processor Aviko to cut 75 positions

Last month, Dutch Potato Processor Aviko has informed its staff that the company will cut 75 positions as part of its "Fit for Growth" programme.

The positions eliminated are mostly (mid) management positions, 55 in the Netherlands and 20 elsewhere in Europe. The reduction is needed to enable the company to grow, according to Aviko CEO Piet Hein Merckens.

Piet Hein Merckens, Aviko CEO:

"There will be 25 lay-offs, but since these will be spread out over all of Europe, the number of lay-offs in Steenderen [head-office, PP] will be limited"

"The other positions will be eliminated as a result of retirements and by not renewing temporary contracts."

The job cuts are intended to make more funds available for investment elsewhere.

Merckens:

"We want to strengthen our position in Europe and Asia."

"In order to be competitive, we have to improve our cost structure. We have had two good years of growth, but our ambition is to accelerate growth even more."

Aviko is part of Royal Cosun and employs about 1700 people. The company is profitable. Merckens stresses the initiative originates from inside Aviko and is not dictated by Royal Cosun