Fazer considers closing Oulu bakery
Fazer has evaluated the efficiency of its bakery network and plans on closing the Oulu bakery and transferring its operations to other Fazer bakeries. Fazer will start collaboration negotiations that affect all 83 employees at the Oulu bakery. Adjustments of the business need to be considered as the consumption of pre-packed bread has decreased. Respectively, the popularity of products baked in-store has increased. The number of Fazer in-store bakeries continues to grow, and they will employ more bakers in the future.
”The focus areas of employment will change. The in-store bakery business is growing. In Finland, we have now 64 in-store bakeries employing 450 people. In 2021, we estimate to have 100 in-store bakeries with 600 employees. At the same time, we must adjust our business as pre-packed bread is bought less. In addition, material and energy costs have continued to rise and it is not possible to fully transfer the cost effects into prices”, says Managing Director Markus Hellström, Fazer Bakery Finland.
Fazer supports personnel in change
Fazer has evaluated different options to improve the efficiency of its bakery network and decided to consider closing the Oulu bakery and transferring its operations to other bakeries. Fazer starts collaboration negotiations that affect all 83 employees at the Oulu bakery. The possible closure of the Oulu bakery would take place in the autumn 2019. Fazer will support those whose employment might possibly be terminated.
”Adjusting our operations is inevitable for our future competitiveness. If the Oulu bakery were to be closed, we would help our employees to find new jobs. We would cooperate with the local employment administration and when possible, would try to offer new positions in other Fazer bakeries”, Hellström says.
Fazer’s bakeries locate in Vantaa, Lahti, Lappeenranta and Oulu. In addition, Fazer has 64 in-store bakeries inside grocery stores, where bakers bake every day. Fazer Bakery employs approximately 1 600 people in Finland. The domestic origin in Fazer’s bakery products is over 95 per cent.
Media contacts:
Communications Director Anniina Niemistö, Fazer Bakery Finland
anniina.niemisto@fazer.com tel. +358 40 674 4672
Fazer Group
Fazer is an international family-owned company producing quality bakery, confectionery, biscuit and grain products, plant-based meals, milk-free products, take-away foods and drinks, as well as catering and café services. Fazer’s mission is food with a purpose. Fazer operates in eight countries and exports to around forty countries. Fazer's success, ever since its establishment in 1891, has been based on the best product and service quality, beloved brands, the passion of its skilful staff, and the group's responsible ways of working. In 2017, Fazer Group had net sales of EUR 1.6 billion and nearly 15,000 employees. Fazer's operations uphold ethical principles that are based on the company's values and the United Nations Global Compact.
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