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The Belgian division of global food retailer Mars has announced plans to close its Olen factory, affecting the jobs of around 80 employees.
The plant, which produces Ben’s Original rice, is expected to shut by the end of 2026.
According to Mars, economic pressures – including sharply declining production volumes and rapidly rising costs – have made the facility inefficient. The company said it plans to outsource the production of dry Ben’s Original rice in Europe to an external manufacturer.
Mars began operating in Belgium in 1962 and currently employs more than 700 people. Its local footprint includes two offices — one of which is the global Mars Petcare HQ — a diagnostic laboratory and several veterinary clinics, as well as the Olen operation, its only manufacturing plant in the country.
In a statement, Mars said: “We are not taking this announcement … lightly. Our priority now is to conduct a constructive and transparent information and consultation process”. The proposed closure comes amid plans by the group to invest €1 billion in production and R&D across 2025 and 2026, with initiatives planned in France, Poland and Spain.
Source: Just Food / Retail Detail / Food & Beverage Business / Belga News Agency
