Last pig processed at Danish Crown facility in Ringsted as closure looms

After a century of operation, the last pig will be processed today at Danish Crown’s facility in Ringsted. The 80,000 square meter industrial building will officially close on Friday, but employees are set to process the final 2,500 pigs today. For the approximately 1,000 workers still at the slaughterhouse, this marks a somber occasion as they prepare to slaughter, package, and clean for the last time.

Hanne Erlandsen, a slaughterhouse worker with 32 years of experience, expressed her emotional turmoil: “It feels terrible. I have been happy to be here for all these years. So it’s dreadful, to put it plainly, and I have no idea what I will do now,” she shared. Officially, employees will be dismissed starting Monday morning.

This day of mourning comes after staff were informed back in April about the closure of the municipality’s largest private employer due to two challenging years for Danish pig production, which also led to the shutdown of the Sæby facility and the loss of 800 jobs.

While Danish Crown views the decision as necessary, spokesperson Jens Hansen acknowledged that it is not an easy day for the company either, calling it the end of an era: “It is a completely miserable day. It has been a cornerstone since we took over in 2002, so I would say that this closure is one of those tasks everyone would prefer to avoid,” he stated.

Job centers in Ringsted, Holbæk, Slagelse, Næstved, Faxe, and Sorø are working to help the displaced workers find new employment opportunities. Additionally, Danish Crown is offering many employees the chance to relocate to other facilities in Funen and Jutland. The closing day will be marked by staff gathering for beers and sausages to commemorate the occasion.