Reduction in Pig Numbers Leads to Night Shift Closure in Ringsted

A contradictory situation has led to Danish Crown reducing operations at its Ringsted slaughterhouse. Despite an increase in pig supply over recent months, the rise has not met expectations. As a result, the workforce at our Danish sites has not had enough pigs to ensure a full work week. This has led to the Danish Crown Pork Supervisory Board deciding to shut down the night shift at the Ringsted slaughterhouse. This decision will impact 140 full-time workers when the weekly night-time slaughter of 11,500 pigs ceases on June 1. Approximately 70 of the laid-off workers will be given the opportunity to work as holiday replacements until September. - We deeply regret having to make this decision, but it is unfortunately necessary. It saddens us to part ways with so many proficient workers who have put in a lot of effort since we initiated the additional night shift last summer. They, along with their colleagues who trained them, have done an excellent job, states Per Laursen, Vice President Production at Danish Crown Pork. In May of the previous year, Danish Crown introduced a bold growth strategy to reverse the dwindling supply of slaughter pigs. The strategy has been successful, with a 2.5 per cent increase since October 1 compared to the previous year. However, the night shift was introduced based on a projected 5 per cent increase.