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# Tönnies shares its stance on synthetic meat.
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/tonnies-shares-its-stance-on-synthetic-meat/
- Published: 2019-05-07T00:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T15:03:11.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: Premium Food Group, beef, pork

One year following the termination of work contract regulations, Tönnies is vigorously advancing its transformation agenda. On January 6, 2022, marking a year since the cessation of work contracts within the meat sector, Tönnies Group has shared a progress report. Over the last 15 months, the company has transitioned 8,500 workers in Germany to direct employment status. A digital timekeeping system has been established across all locations, serving as the foundation for managing payroll. Furthermore, Tönnies has acquired 2,000 apartments, offering 5,800 accommodations across 800 buildings nationwide, with the majority already renovated and furnished anew. The firm's steadfast adherence to updated occupational health and safety guidelines, the NRW Housing Promotion Act, and additional internal standards has led to significant enhancements in employee living conditions. A third of Tönnies' workforce expresses a preference for company-managed accommodation, while over 70% opt for private living arrangements. "Significant progress has been made over the past year. While our journey isn't complete, we're on the right track," states Martin Bocklage, Tönnies Group's HR director. In 2021, Tönnies Immobilien Services (TIS) achieved the following: - A substantial investment in residential spaces, amounting to tens of millions of euros - Acquisition of 2,000 apartments, providing 5,800 living spaces within 800 properties - Standardization and renegotiation of existing leases to benefit employees - Renovation of 60% of these apartments, with 30% already meeting the company's standards upon acquisition and 10% slated for future refurbishment - An investment of 1.5 million euros in furnishing these properties, including the purchase of 450 new kitchens valued at over 300,000 euros, and the enhancement of existing furniture with necessary electrical appliances and new furniture pieces Employees are charged a rent of 210 euros per person, which includes 120 euros for rent and 90 euros for utilities, covering electricity, water, energy, waste disposal, and all furnishings, including appliances like washing machines and refrigerators, often with internet access. Additionally, a janitorial service is provided, encompassing cleaning of communal areas, minor repairs, and an emergency service. Regular inspections of each apartment are conducted quarterly. Bocklage refutes allegations from a December TV magazine report about the substandard living conditions of EU employees, clarifying that the issues highlighted pertain to privately rented accommodations or a property previously vacated and demolished by its owner. Local authorities near Tönnies' operations in Germany, particularly around the main plant in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, acknowledge the company's positive transformations. Dr. Georg Robra, the first alderman of Rheda-Wiedenbrück, describes this as a "paradigm shift" in housing management. Regular, sometimes unannounced inspections by responsible authorities, in collaboration with TIS and the company's integration staff, confirm these improvements. A report from the Social Affairs and Integration Department of Rheda-Wiedenbrück, dated September 16, 2021, to the Committee for Social Affairs, Migration, and Sports, notes the municipal housing control's awareness of 470 properties housing labor migrants. Of these, 366 are privately rented, 85 by TIS, with the remainder rented by other providers or under renovation. The inspections focus on living space adequacy, fire safety, and overall condition. TIS has established itself as a dependable point of contact, swiftly addressing and rectifying any identified issues, leading to a marked improvement in housing conditions since the discontinuation of work contracts. Following the end of work contract employment, Tönnies has directly hired 8,500 employees, predominantly from EU countries, for core positions within the food company. Concurrently, the company is developing its own recruitment infrastructure to independently source personnel, including setting up recruitment offices in Serbia, Poland, and Romania. A training program in Belgrade, in partnership with a German educational institution, aims to prepare young technicians for the industry. While transitioning, Tönnies still relies on external service providers for international recruitment, focusing on language training and local integration in collaboration with the Tönnies integration team. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Tönnies Group is content with the transformation's progress, as per Martin Bocklage. However, he emphasizes the need to continue these efforts without complacency, aiming to steadfastly pursue the path of change.