CSM: Consolidates its operations in Germany and France

Diemen / NL. (csm) Dutch food group CSM NV intends to consolidate its bakery operations in Germany and France as part of its 3-S efficiency improvement program and to further strengthen the European-wide bakery organization. In Germany, CSM will combine its artisan support staff (currently based in Bremen) with the Bingenbased support staff in Bingen, in order to optimize synergy within the organization. A key benefit of this move will be co-operation with the Innovation Center for Bakery Ingredients at Bingen. In addition a dedicated sales force will be developed for the artisan frozen product market to take advantage of growth opportunities in this market. This consolidation is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. In France, CSM will discontinue production at the Creil-based facility, transferring it to other CSM locations in France and Germany. A letter of intent has been signed with a third party to take over the Creil facility and its work force. All transfers will take place in a phased schedule to ensure uninterrupted supply and service to all customers.