The intention from the outset was that large parts of the production in Rødding should remain in Denmark. However, for such a transfer of production to happen, a number of practical aspects must be in place – requiring investments which have currently been put on hold.

When the planned closure was announced in February, there were 308 employees in Rødding. In step with a gradual phase-out of production, the number of employees has gradually been reduced to the current 166 employees.

"This ensures that several hundred people are not suddenly out of work. It would be a burden for the local area if so many people suddenly wanted to sign up for courses and seek work at the same time," says Niels-Henrik Sørensen, union representative in Rødding.

"Given the situation, we are happy with the way things are being done."

Niels-Henrik Sørensen also explains that many of the employees have already found new jobs. Some have been employed by the Danish Crown slaughterhouses in Blans and Esbjerg, while others have found work with other companies.