Danish Crown has announced an investment of around DKK 2 billion ($322 million) in the coming year in its automation and production capabilities.
The announcement marks a 25% increase in the company’s investment budget from last year, which stood at DKK 1.6 billion.
With a primary focus on automation, the capital will be used to further improve working conditions, as well as future-proof production. Due to Danish Crown Pork accounting for its largest share of revenue, this category will receive the largest investments.
In the coming year, Danish Crown plans to use the investment to expand and upgrade its palletising operations at its abattoir in Horsens, Denmark. This will include a new automatic robotic system.
Jais Valeur, CEO of Danish Crown, said: “It is crucial for us to keep investing decisively in our production facilities through continued automation. This is the way to enhance both the working environment and our competitiveness – which in turn is the way to secure jobs.”
In addition, Danish Crown plans to invest in the increased production capacity at its factory in Dinklage, Germany, where it produces ready-cooked ham for pizzas. As well as new production facilities, the company plans to expand its repertoire with new lines, which it says will increase its market share in the ham segment of the European pizza toppings market.
Other major investments include in Danish Crown’s abattoirs in Blans and Ringsted, in Denmark. The Blans facility will see new equipment in the cutting department, while the investment in Ringsted will be used to establish a facility to produce a special minced product exclusively for the Japanese market.
The announcement comes after Danish Crown launched its new brand identity, in order to highlight its aim to halve its climate footprint by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050. Funds will also be used to reduce the group’s climate footprint and environmental impact, including cuts to its water and energy consumption.
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