Hochdorf Completes Transfer of Wheat Germ Processing

Thanks to the relocation and the good order book situation approx. 15 jobs are being created in the district of Hochdorf. The dismantling at the Steinhausen site will be completed in spring 2011 when the lease agreement with the owner will also expire.

Nov 4 2010 --- The HOCHDORF Group has concluded another key part of its restructuring. The relocation of wheat germ processing from Steinhausen to Hochdorf has been completed. The healthy wheat germ products sold under the VIOGERM label are now manufactured in Hochdorf, creating around another 15 jobs at the Hochdorf site.

From now on the HOCHDORF Group will only be manufacturing its products at two instead of three sites in Switzerland. Over the past few months the production plant and equipment for the manufacture of VIOGERM wheat germ products has been transferred from Steinhausen to Hochdorf. In addition, a number of adjustments to buildings, logistics and production processes will also provide for more cost-effective production. The relocation proceeded according to schedule, enabling the company to maintain its delivery capability at all times.

Thanks to the relocation and the good order book situation approx. 15 jobs are being created in the district of Hochdorf. The dismantling at the Steinhausen site will be completed in spring 2011 when the lease agreement with the owner will also expire.

Hochdorf presents wheat germs as a true wonder of nature. The wonder is the fact that each germ stores inside the genetic information for the next wheat plant. Wheat germs are the richest natural source of Vitamin E, folic acid, essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6. Thanks to the trend towards healthy foods they also possess great potential in terms of global competition and market.

The VIOGERM products sold by HOCHDORF Nutrifood AG are created in a gentle BRM cold-press method (the Mayer Biological Retention process) which is unique anywhere in the world. The process preserves the more than 70 natural nutrients of the wheat germ so they can be enjoyed for longer.

The wheat germ products manufactured exclusively in Hochdorf under the VIOGERM ingredient label are used in many healthy foods. “VIOGERM wheat germs are a very healthy and valuable food. 18 tonnes of wheat are needed to produce 36 kg VIOGERM wheat germ and 1 kg of VIOGERM wheat germ oil”, says Vincent Lebet, Managing Director of HOCHDORF Nutrifood AG, in explaining the valuable food. Thanks to the VIOGERM products the HOCHDORF Group is one of the founder members of the Folic Acid Foundation which this year will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

HOCHDORF provides support and assistance for the development of products with VIOGERM wheat germs. “In Switzerland VIOGERM is used in many products. For example in pastries, bread, muesli and food supplements”, continues Lebet.

The HOCHDORF Group has reported a continuation in the positive development of business and the earnings situation up to 30.09.2010. “We can therefore expect the results for the 2010 financial year to exceed those in the previous year. The good order book situation for the new infant formula spray tower in Sulgen, which will require the introduction of a third shift from November 2010, also provides a confident outlook,” the company reported in a statement.