Mars closes European rice factory in Belgium: 80 jobs at risk

Food giant Mars has informed its staff in Olen, Belgium, that it plans to close its Ben’s Originals rice factory by the end of 2026. The closure would result in the dismissal of 80 employees.

Outsourcing production

According to the company, “economic reasons, including sharply declining production volumes and rapidly rising costs” are behind the decision. This combination leads to underutilization of the factory and weighs heavily on efficiency. The multinational wants to outsource the production of dry Ben’s Originals rice in Europe to an external manufacturer.

First, Mars is starting mandatory consultation rounds with the unions. Only after these talks have been concluded can a final decision be made, the company emphasizes. “Olen is a factory with a long history and is deeply rooted in the region,” according to a press statement. “We do not take this announcement lightly. Our priority is to engage in meaningful and transparent consultation and to support our employees.”

Mars, which has been active in Belgium since 1962, employs more than 700 people in the country. The company has two offices there, including the global headquarters of Mars Petcare, a diagnostic laboratory, several veterinary clinics, and one factory—the Olen facility.