Agristo opens 4th production line in Wielsbeke with 100 new jobs

Wielsbeke (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Agristo opened its 4th production line in Wielsbeke, processing 25 tons of potatoes per hour. HR Manager Karen Sterck announced 100 new jobs at the October recruitment fairs.

As VRT News reported, potato processor Agristo has opened a new production line at its factory in Wielsbeke, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. It is already the 4th line at the site. The company says the expansion is needed because of the growing demand for frozen potato products. The line can process 25 tons of potatoes each hour. 

How is Agristo expanding the Wielsbeke factory and hiring 100 new workers?

The company has also introduced a new system for transport inside the factory. Forklifts will no longer be used in the production hall. Instead, goods will be moved by small remote-controlled vehicles. 

The new production line in Wielsbeke is fully automated, but Agristo says extra staff will still be needed. Around 100 new workers are required to support the expansion. To fill these jobs, the company will hold job fairs in early October 2025. According to HR Manager Karen Sterck, candidates can apply for positions at the sites in Nazareth and Harelbeke. In total, about 100 vacancies are open. 

HR Manager Karen Sterck said,

“The staff must monitor quality and maintain oversight. We’re definitely still looking for technicians to maintain the lines and make sure they’re technically up to par. We’ll start with three shifts, and eventually we’ll expand to five.”

The recruitment events will include more than applications. Visitors will also be able to taste freshly made fries. The hiring drive is planned to ensure all roles are filled before the new line begins production. The company has confirmed that the Wielsbeke facility will start operations in September 2026. 

Agristo was founded in 1988 and has become one of Belgium’s leading potato processors, supplying frozen potato products both at home and abroad. The company’s Wielsbeke factory has grown steadily over the years, adding production lines in the early 2000s and 2010s to meet increasing demand.