Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
3M a multinational chemical company, known for the production of glues and other related products have announced significant dismissals within their facility in Zwijndrecht. In total it is estimated that 150-250 employees at the facility are at risk of losing their job (60-70% of the workforce).
The main reasoning behind the plan are the recent scandals that have come to light at the facility. Concretely, it has been responsible for PFAS pollution within the broader region for many years without efforts to highlight the issue to authorities or alleviate it.
A part of the facility (glue production) will continue on, however it has already been announced that the factory will close in 2025.
Updated, 11/01/2024: 3M has announced its intention to accelerate the phase out of its PFAS production. As a result, it is estimated that all PFAS production will be completely phased out by mid-2024, rather than by the end of 2025 as per the original deadline.
The closure will result in the loss of 98 jobs, which is lower than originally anticipated.
Eurofound (2023), 3M, Closure in Belgium, factsheet number 108413, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/108413.
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