# Ardo plant closure in Groß-Enzersdorf > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ardo-plant-closure-in-gro-enzersdorf > Updated: 2026-10-11T13:47:44.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 5. Ardo Austria Frost GmbH is proceeding with the planned closure of its production and packaging plant in Groß-Enzersdorf, Lower Austria. The Belgian owners intend to dismantle all production facilities by the end of August 2025, a move expected to result in the loss of 240 jobs. The decision continues to cause significant disruption in the Marchfeld agricultural region. Local farmers, represented by the Frozen Vegetable Producer Organization (ETG), face ongoing uncertainty regarding crop destinations. Economic experts attribute this closure to a broader structural shift in Austrian food production, driven by high energy costs, labor expenses, and bureaucracy. To mitigate supply chain risks, the retailer Spar has secured a new partnership to ensure the continued availability of regional frozen vegetables. Starting in summer 2027, the family-owned business Schneider’s Gemüseland will take over the production capacities previously handled by Ardo. To manage this increased volume, Schneider’s Gemüseland plans to invest in modern filling plants and an automated frozen warehouse. In a recent development, the food producer efko has expressed a willingness to participate in discussions regarding potential solutions for vegetable production in the Marchfeld region. Thomas Krahofer, Managing Director of the efko Group, noted that the loss of reliable buyers “endangers established value chains and decades of agricultural knowledge.” While frozen vegetable processing has not been a historical strategic focus for efko, the company remains open to exploring ways to support the region, though no concrete commitments regarding specific purchase volumes or capacity takeovers have been made. ## Claims - Around 190 employees are facing termination due to the closure. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ardo is gradually closing its production and packaging plant in Groß-Enzersdorf. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Vegetable production at the site is expected to continue until December. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Production equipment will be relocated to other existing European sites. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Approximately 500 farms in the Marchfeld region rely on the plant for frozen vegetable processing. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Austrian Association of the Branded Goods Industry (MAV) attributes the closure to a focus on the lowest possible purchase prices over quality standards. (single source) - The Lower Austria Chamber of Agriculture (LKNÖ) is seeking discussions with government officials to preserve domestic processing. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-11: efko considers potential role in saving Marchfeld vegetable production Food producer efko is open to discussions to help secure vegetable production in Marchfeld, Austria, following the announced closure of the Ardo frozen vegetable plant. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/efko-considers-potential-role-in-saving-marchfeld-vegetable-production ### 2026-10-09: Ardo plant closure impacts Marchfeld vegetable producers The closure of the Ardo frozen vegetable plant in Marchfeld, Austria, will displace 240 workers, but retailer Spar has secured a new supply agreement with Schneider’s Gemüseland starting in 2027. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ardo-plant-closure-impacts-marchfeld-vegetable-producers ### 2026-10-06: Ardo Austria Frost to close Groß-Enzersdorf frozen vegetable plant Ardo Austria Frost plans to close its Groß-Enzersdorf facility by August 2027, threatening 200 jobs and 500 local farming businesses in the Marchfeld region. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ardo-maintains-plans-to-close-gro-enzersdorf-factory ### 2026-09-27: Ardo to close Groß-Enzersdorf plant, impacting Austrian agriculture Ardo is gradually closing its Groß-Enzersdorf plant, threatening 190 jobs and the livelihoods of 500 Marchfeld farms. Industry leaders warn the move reflects a dangerous focus on low pricing over quality. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ardo-to-close-gro-enzersdorf-plant-impacting-austrian-agriculture ### 2026-09-24: Ardo to close Groß-Enzersdorf production plant in 2027 Ardo Austria Frost will close its Groß-Enzersdorf plant in 2027, affecting 240 workers and threatening local vegetable suppliers in the Marchfeld region. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ardo-to-close-gro-enzersdorf-production-plant-in-2027 --- Cite as: Ardo plant closure in Groß-Enzersdorf. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ardo-plant-closure-in-gro-enzersdorf