Tönnies Achieves Growth in 2016 Despite Challenging Market Environment

RHEDA-WIEDENBRÜCK, Germany, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

- 400.000 more pigs slaughtered in the company group -  

- Sales rise to EUR 6.35 billion - 

- One of the most energy-efficient companies in the industry thanks to consistent expansion of on-site power generation with year-round utilisation of heat - 

The Tönnies Group presented key figures demonstrating the successful performance of the family-owned business at its annual press conference in Rheda-Wiedenbrück. In 2016, the Group generated worldwide sales of EUR 6.35 billion, an increase of EUR 50 million (+ 0.8 percent). Tönnies again slaughtered more pigs and cattle than the year before. The 20.4 million pigs slaughtered worldwide (2015: 20.0 million) represented an increase of 400.000 (2.0 percent), 16.2 million of these in Germany. With respect to cattle slaughtering, the company again slaughtered and butchered 424,000 cattle.

Worldwide, 12,500 people were employed in the Group in 2016. At the German locations, 157 trainees were employed in 12 different professions.

"We further expanded our market position in 2016. Due to the structural investments in the locations, we are very well positioned for the future and this in a highly competitive market", said Clemens Tönnies. "In view of this, our international positioning plays an important role. Thus we are opening up new sales opportunities for German farmers. We have positioned ourselves more broadly on the market by fully integrating Ticans. But Germany remains our core market."

The company's investment strategy in 2016 focused on securing the future of its sites and improving environmental and energy management. Its consistent investments have made Tönnies one of the most energy-efficient companies in the industry. For example, it has invested in on-site power generation with an overall capacity of 12.1 megawatt hours at its Rheda and Sögel sites. Both combined heat and power units generate electricity, while also using the heat to produce cooling energy all year round through cogeneration and specially developed absorber technology. This cooling energy will be used to operate the newly developed four-phase cooling system in Rheda, which has already been successfully commissioned.

There have also been major investments in the sites in Kempten (Bavaria) and Kellinghusen (Schleswig-Holstein). At the cattle slaughterhouse in Kempten, the latest advances in animal welfare science have been implemented under the guidance of American professor Dr. Temple Grandin. In Kellinghusen, the entire site is currently being refurbished following the takeover of the Thomsen company.

In 2017, the Tönnies Group aims to upgrade existing production facilities and introduce state-of-the-art technology and efficient processes to succeed in the market in the face of severe price pressure. Thus, Tönnies is systematically pursuing its growth strategy.

About Tönnies:

Tönnies is a global multi-tier food industry business. Its operations are divided into four divisions: Meat, Convenience, Ingredients and Logistics. Founded in 1971 as a family business, its core activities are centred on the slaughtering, butchering and processing of pigs, sows and cattle. Consumers are most familiar with the Group's "Tillman's" and "Toasty" brands. Tillman's is the German market leader in ready-to-sell, pre-packed fresh meat and also offers a comprehensive range of convenience products.

Images:
Company images and photos from the recent annual press conference can be accessed via the following link: https://seafile.cyrano-intern.de/f/24b384005d/?dl=1

Press contact:

Dr. André Vielstädte | In der Mark 2 | 33378 Rheda-Wiedenbrück

+49-5242/961-5338 | +49-152/22666189 | andre.vielstaedte@toennies.de