The food company closes its plant in Ettlingen.
(Photo: imago/Manngold)
Dusseldorf The food company Oetker is closing its plant in Ettlingen near Karlsruhe. The Bielefeld family business announced on Monday afternoon that losses had been made there since 2016. Around 190 employees are affected by the step.
The plant produces products such as sauces and soups for bulk consumers. According to Oetker, the closures of large kitchens due to the pandemic have contributed to the fact that demand from canteen and canteen operators has fallen. But the changed eating habits of many canteen visitors – more vegetarian main courses, more salads and less heavy meals – have now moved Oetker to act.
Around 50 jobs will remain in Ettlingen in marketing, sales and administration. Production in Ettlingen is phased out. A reconciliation of interests for the affected employees is being negotiated with the works council. The Oetker division, which operates under the Professional name, is hoping for growth in the future, above all with pizza, baking ingredients and desserts.