Leadership Update & Strategic Restructuring
Desch Announces Strategic Restructuring and Leadership Transition to Strengthen Future Competitiveness
Waalwijk, Netherlands – 16 June 2025 – Desch Plantpak B.V., a leading manufacturer and innovator in sustainable horticultural solutions, today announced a strategic restructuring of its operations, alongside a key leadership transition, to better position the company amid ongoing global industry challenges.
In recent years, the horticultural sector has weathered a “perfect storm” of disruptions—from the COVID-19 pandemic to the geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine. These events have driven volatility in raw material costs and caused surging energy prices, creating unprecedented challenges across the supply chain.
To ensure long-term competitiveness and operational resilience, Desch will cease all production activities at its Mundon, UK facility following a comprehensive review of its manufacturing footprint. As a result, employees in the UK production division are now at risk of redundancy. In line with UK legal requirements, a collective consultation process has commenced, as the proposal affects more than 20 employees.
Following the eventual sale of the UK site, all production equipment will be transferred to Desch’s modern manufacturing locations in the Netherlands. Importantly, Desch will retain its UK-based sales team and warehouse operations to maintain seamless service and product availability for its UK customers.
Simultaneously, the company announces that Jan Willem Wieringa will be stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer. We are happy to announce that Jeroen Schipper has been appointed as Jan Willem’s successor. Jeroen has a unique combination of operational, commercial and general management experience in the manufacturing sector securing Desch’s strategic roadmap and commitment to continued leadership in sustainable horticulture.
“We firmly believe these changes will make Desch an even stronger partner to our customers,” said Jan Willem Wieringa, CEO of Desch. “With four factories in the Netherlands and Poland, we are optimally positioned to deliver exceptional products and service throughout Europe.”
“On behalf of the Board and all the employees at Desch we like to thank Jan Willem for his huge commitment and energy always pursuing opportunities to grow Desch both organically and through potential acquisitions,” said John Comino, Managing Director at Lincolnshire Management. “He successfully built a strong relationship with not just his colleagues but similarly with also customers and suppliers.”
Desch remains committed to innovation, customer focus, and sustainability to meet the evolving needs of growers and partners across the horticultural industry.