FrieslandCampina Veghel celebrates 100 years of craftsmanship and innovation
From a local dairy cooperative to an international production site for high-value nutritional ingredients
On 14 October, FrieslandCampina Veghel celebrated its 100th anniversary. What began in 1926 as the dairy cooperative “De Meierij Veghel” has grown into a globally leading production site within FrieslandCampina Ingredients. Every day, more than 500 employees apply their knowledge, expertise and dedication to the production of high-value ingredients for infant, senior and sports nutrition, as well as pharmaceutical applications.
“Over the past century, we have grown from a local cooperative into one of the largest milk-processing facilities in the world,” says Eric Hassink, Site Director of FrieslandCampina Veghel. “The milk supplied by our member dairy farmers remains the foundation of our high-value ingredients. Through the craftsmanship, commitment and pride of our employees, we have been transforming that milk into trusted products for a hundred years, making a difference to consumers around the world.”
Global reach
Each week, FrieslandCampina Veghel processes more than 30 million litres of raw milk and 7 million litres of concentrated whey. Using advanced and specialised technologies, milk components such as lactose, milk proteins and lactoferrin are transformed into high-value ingredients for a wide range of nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. These ingredients are used in products that reach approximately one in seven people worldwide. At the same time, the site continues to innovate. In 2023, for example, its lactoferrin production capacity was expanded to meet growing global demand for this highly valued ingredient.
Driving sustainability forward
The site is also making significant progress in sustainability. Through several large-scale projects, its environmental impact is being further reduced. FrieslandCampina Veghel is investing in an electric steam boiler (e-boiler) and large-scale heat pumps. These technologies enable greater use of renewable energy and contribute to a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions.