Food products Bell takes over ham manufacturer and optimizes production

Meat processor Bell announces a series of changes. The Group is taking over the German ham manufacturer Hermann Wein, relocating Hügli production to the UK and focusing the Eisberg division in Austria.

Keystone-SDA

04.11.2025, 07:00

SDA

These measures will strengthen Bell's market position and optimize production, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. As a result, the company is taking an extraordinary write-down of around 60 million Swiss francs.

Takeover of the raw ham production company Hermann Wein

In Germany, Bell is taking over the production operations of Hermann Wein in Freudenstadt. This will strengthen the Group's position in the European raw ham market.

The takeover is expected to be completed in spring 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Bell has not disclosed the purchase price.

Focusing the Hügli division

However, the production of the Hügli division in Redditch in the UK will be relocated to the existing plants in Radolfzell, Germany, and Zàsmuky, Czech Republic, "in the medium term", according to the statement. The aim is to harmonize the production programmes of the sites, improve capacity utilization and achieve economies of scale.

Hügli specializes in long-life convenience products. Around 80 jobs will be affected by the relocation. However, the local sales organization in England will remain in place.

Optimization of the iceberg division

Finally, the operations of the Eisberg division in Austria will also be optimized. Among other things, it specializes in fresh cut salads. Following the sale of the production sites in Poland, Hungary and Romania, the Marchtrenk site in Austria will focus on the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). This means that parts of the infrastructure and specific facilities are no longer needed, Bell writes.

The company announced the sale of the production facilities in May 2025. The deconsolidation is now complete. The sale resulted in a profit of 11 million euros at EBIT level and 7 million euros at the bottom line.