Mars Belgium plans to close Olen factory, putting 80 jobs at risk

Mars Belgium has announced plans to close its factory in Olen, threatening the jobs of around 80 employees. The company confirmed the news in a press release on Wednesday, citing economic challenges including falling production volumes and rising costs.

According to Mars, these factors have led to “underutilisation of the factory and a significant impact on efficiency.” The closure, if confirmed, would take place by the end of 2026.

The Olen site, long known locally as “the rice factory”, has operated for about fifty years and was formerly part of Master Foods. It produces and packages rice sold under the Ben’s Original brand, previously Uncle Ben’s.

Mars said it had informed employees and their representatives of its intention to proceed with a collective redundancy. The company emphasised that its priority now is to carry out a “meaningful and transparent information and consultation process” and to “support employees throughout this period with care and respect.”

If the closure goes ahead, production of Ben’s Original dry rice products for the European market will be outsourced to an external manufacturer.

^{#FlandersNewsService | The Olen factory produces Ben’s Original, previously Uncle Ben’s, rice products © Eva HAMBACH / AFP}