FrieslandCampina has commissioned new production capacity at its butter factory in Lochem, with the expansion expected to deliver significant annual savings in energy and water consumption, the Dutch dairy company states in a press release.

FrieslandCampina officially commissioned an expansion of butter production at its Lochem factory in the Netherlands on 18 June 2026. The investment increases production capacity and, according to the company, strengthens Lochem’s position within FrieslandCampina’s production network.

The factory supplies butter for both professional and consumer markets, including products for professional customers under the Debic brand as well as consumer lines such as Campina Botergoud, Frico and Frau Antje. The new installation is expected to save 700,000 kWh of electricity, 95,000 m³ of gas and 50,000 m³ of water annually.

Centralisation following Den Bosch closure

The expansion follows the previously announced centralisation of FrieslandCampina’s butter production in Lochem. In June 2025, the company closed its butter factory in Den Bosch and transferred production to the Lochem site.

Plant director Winnie Schouten highlighted the significance of the investment at the commissioning event:

“This expansion is an important step for our factory in Lochem. We are not only increasing our butter capacity but also taking a step forward in more efficient and more sustainable production. That is something we as a team can be proud of,” she said according to the press release.

In addition to butter, the Lochem site produces butter oil, milk powder and filtration products. As well as consumer butter packs, the factory supplies bulk products — including milk powder in bags — to business-to-business customers and the international dairy market.

By Maja Løvstrup
Photo: FrieslandCampina