FDBusiness.com

The benefits of efficiency investments and continuous cost control have helped Ter Beke, the Belgian ready meals and processed meats manufacturer, to increase EBITDA by 22.2% to Eur19.6m in the first half of 2010. Group turnover increased by 3.1% to Eur197.4m as the ready meals and processed meats divisions both increased volume sales. Net profit rose by 29.5% to Eur5.7m.

During the first half Ter Beke invested Eur10.1m chiefly in capacity enhancement at its plants in Wommelgem, Marche-en-Famenne and Ridderkerk (the Netherlands) and infrastructure adaptations relating to the new logistics centre in Bijsterhuizen (the Netherlands). Ter Beke will move the meat slicing and packing activities of Langeveld/Sleegers, which it acquired in 2005 and are currently spread over four locations, to this new site.

In addition, the complete storage and distribution for all Dutch activities, including processed meat products and ready meals, will also be centralised there. The move to this logistics centre is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter. Ter Beke will further increase its investments in its Come a casa brand and in its production processes during the second half.