One of the leading Slovak processing companies, located in Tešedíkov near Šala, found itself in a difficult financial situation.The company, which until now has mainly been devoted to meat processing, has begun large-scale layoffs and is planning fundamental changes in its focus.After years of activity on the market, it ends meat production and decided to concentrate on the production of pet food..
The company Nourus – Mäso, owned by the Tóth family, reached the point where it was forced to apply for restructuring to avoid a complete collapse.According to information obtained by Denník N, the unsustainable situation on the market is behind the decision: the cost of live animals from farmers grew faster than the prices of the meat that the company supplied to the market.’In this industry, only breeders and butchers make a profit, slaughterhouses are under pressure,’ said company manager Norbert Tóth.
The company, which was making a profit until recently, found itself in a loss approaching two million euros last year.The closure of the Nourus – Mäso slaughterhouse contributes to the worsening of the already tense situation on the Slovak meat market.In recent years, several large slaughterhouses have faced financial problems, which has led to a reduction in meat processing capacities in the country.This trend forces Slovak breeders to look for alternatives abroad, while Slovakia has to import half a billion euros worth of meat every year.
New strategy: pet food production.
The company has now decided to focus on the production of dog and cat food, seeing the potential for stabilization and a return to profitability.The Tóths are convinced that this step will enable them to manage their financial difficulties and gradually pay off their accumulated debts.’The prices of products for pets are more favorable for us, and in addition, we already have experience with this production,’ the company manager told Denník N.
However, the future of Nourus – Mäso remains unclear.The current measures have led to a significant reduction in the number of employees – only a little over 20 of the original 70 remain.If the company fails to successfully complete the restructuring, it is at risk of bankruptcy.If the situation improves, it is not excluded that the slaughterhouse will resume its activities in the future.
