The French tire manufacturer Michelin confirmed today to the unions that it will close two factories in France at the beginning of 2026 at the latest, leaving a total of 1,254 workers without jobs.
About 300 workers are employed in the factory at the Van location producing metal rods for tire reinforcement, while 963 workers at the Šole location produce tires for commercial vehicles, reports Figaro.
“It’s obviously a shock for the employees,” admits the CEO of the Michelin Group, Floran Menego. Business activities at these two locations will not resume until next Monday to allow workers enough time to accept the closure information.
Menego promised that the company will support the workers after the dismissal until they find new employment. Early retirement and internal and external mobility schemes will be offered as always when a site closes. Michelin assures the workers that before the decision to close the factories, it studied all alternative possibilities in order to avoid that scenario, but the company is under great pressure from cheaper competition from Asian manufacturers.
Energy prices in Europe are twice as high as in the United States of America or Asia, which has also doubled production costs compared to 2019, adds Menego.
According to him, Michelin will no longer be able to guarantee employment to anyone, as it would be irresponsible in the conditions of the globalized market, reports Tanjug.
Source: Politika.rs / Tanjug.rs
Foto: Arhiva / Michelin screenshot
Auto parts maker Schaeffler is laying off 4,700 workers in Europe
German auto parts maker Schaeffler announced on Tuesday that it will cut 4,700 jobs in Europe as the challenges facing the auto industry mount.
“The decision comes in response to the challenging market environment, the increasing intensity of global competition and ongoing transformation processes affecting the automotive supply industry,” the company said, reports Anadolu Agency.
The company will lay off 2,800 people at ten locations in Germany and close two locations. The structural measures aim to save around 290 million euros ($316 million) a year by the end of 2029.
Schaeffler also announced that its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBITDA) fell 45 percent year-on-year to 187 million euros in the third quarter of 2024.
The company withdrew this move following last week’s unprecedented announcement by German carmaker Volkswagen that it will close at least three plants in the country and lay off thousands of people.
Source: Biznis.rs
Source: autoblog.rs
