Press Release, August 27, 2025 at 2 pm
Atria plans investments in its Kauhajoki plant to modernize production processes and reorganize beef production to improve profitability
Atria is planning to invest approximately EUR 16 million in modernizing its production facility in Kauhajoki. The investment includes the demolition of old buildings and the construction of new premises. The goal is to strengthen the unit’s ability to develop and deliver high-quality Finnish beef for both domestic and export markets.
At the same time, Atria will initiate change negotiations regarding production restructuring at its plants in both Kauhajoki and Jyväskylä. The aim of the planned restructuring is to improve the profitability and quality performance of Atria’s beef business by centralizing beef cutting operations at the Kauhajoki plant. According to the plan, beef slaughtering will continue in Jyväskylä.
"It is important to us that Finnish consumers and export customers continue to have access to sustainably produced, world-class Finnish beef. The carbon footprint of Finnish beef is approximately 50% lower than the international average. Together with Atria’s beef producers, we have worked hard to reduce the carbon footprint across the production chain — and we’ve succeeded," says Markku Hirvijärvi, Vice President, Meat Business and Exports.
"For beef producers, the restructuring means a stronger partner and continued certainty for production in Finland," Hirvijärvi adds.
The number of cattle farms and beef production in Finland has declined slightly in recent years. Demand for beef has also decreased somewhat.
As a result of the planned restructuring discussed in the change negotiations, the amount of work may be reduced by approximately 60 positions at Atria’s Jyväskylä plant. In addition, capacity adjustments through temporary layoffs at both the Jyväskylä and Kauhajoki plants are possible. Any potential reduction in personnel is planned to take place between late 2026 and early 2027. The change negotiations do not concern Atria’s other production facilities. A possible investment decision will be made after the negotiations are concluded.
The goal of centralizing production and investing in Kauhajoki is to achieve annual savings of approximately EUR 3 million.
Further information:
Markku Hirvijärvi, Vice President, Meat Business and Exports, tel. +358 40 773 9276.