BRUSSELS — Beer brewer InBev announced on Wednesday it will cut 232 jobs to improve company efficiency.

The Leuven-based InBev — which employs 2,898 workers — said it opted for the lay-offs after studying company efficiency.

It was to start an information and consultation process about the job cuts with the employees council on Wednesday, newspaper ‘De Tijd’ reported.

Of the 232 jobs at threat, InBev said 67 redundancies can be avoided by transferring the workers within the company. 

However, the brewery in Hoegaarden in Flanders that makes the famous white beer will be shut down. Production will be relocated to the Jupille site in Wallonia.

Staff at the Hoegaarden brewery walked off the job after hearing the news on Wednesday, broadcaster VRT reported.

The efficiency study indicated that three types of activities needed to be re-organised: production and logistics; marketing, sales and distribution and supporting services.

InBev said the restructuring must result in a sharper focus on core activities and cost savings.

The brewery produces famous beers such as Stella Artois, Jupiler, Hoegaarden and Belle-Vue.

[Copyright Expatica News 2005]

Subject: Belgian news