Vion opens beef abattoir in Leeuwarden
International meat producer Vion has started production at its new beef abattoir in Leeuwarden, in the north of The Netherlands, following ten months of construction.
The production is now set to be increased to a capacity of 2,500 heads of cattle per week in a slaughterhouse that employs 45 people.
The company invested almost €20 million in the site, which is said to be equipped in accordance with the most up to date animal welfare and environmental criteria, as it has “an important function in Vion’s corporate strategy for sustainable and regional meat production”, being located near the 500 farmers that take part in the ‘Waddenrund’ (Wadden cattle) programme.
According to the programme, the animals must be kept at pasture during at least six hours per day and for at least 120 days per year, while the farms must be situated within 15 miles inland from the coast.
Apart from Wadden cattle, the operation in Leeuwarden is also equipped for the slaughter of organic cattle, allowing Vion to serve the increasing demand for organically bred beef.
Bernd Stange, COO Beef, emphasised that by commissioning Leeuwarden, Vion advances the production of sustainable meat concepts, such as free-range beef, Wadden beef and organic beef.
He added: “We strive for a further improvement of shorter food production chains for the market, and in doing so focus on the themes of transparency and food safety as well as the best quality.
“With Leeuwarden, we do not only reinforce our market position in the Dutch beef sector but also further expand our position as one of the leading beef producers in Europe.”
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