Hero Group confirms jam factory closure

Switzerland-based Hero Group has decided to cease operations at one of its jam production facilities by the end of next year.

After weighing up the closure last month, the group’s board of directors made the decision after employee proposals submitted during the consultation period “did not provide a viable alternative”, according to a statement.

A total of 48 employees will be affected by the closure of the Lenzburg factory, which was opened in 2011.

“We are very saddened by this decision to close the production facility in Lenzburg, and especially by the loss of employment for 48 of our people,” said Rob Versloot, CEO of Hero Group.

“It is a sad day at Hero but at the same time it is our duty to take decisions that will ensure the long-term competitiveness of the company.”

Employees made redundant by the closure of the production plant will be supported by the company through a “generous social plan”, the company wrote.

Around 170 employees will continue to work in the Swiss city at the global headquarters of Hero Group, which has a food portfolio ranging from jam, honey and peanut butter to baby food and healthy snacks

Last month, Hero, which manufactures the Organix snacks brand, sold its Semper Gluten Free business in the Nordics to Dr. Schär.

CEO Rob Versloot said at the time that the divestment was “part of the company’s long-term strategy to focus on our core categories of baby and toddler food and snacks, healthy snacks and natural spreads.”

Last December, Hero sold its UK gluten-free arm Juvela to brand-builder S-Ventures, saying the disposal was part of a long-term strategy to focus on its core categories.

In 2022, Hero generated revenues of SFr1.2bn ($1.32bn).

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