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.
Manufacturing (22 - 23) Manufacture of rubber, plastic and non-metallic minerals 23.1 - Manufacture of glass and glass products 23.1 - Manufacture of glass and glass products
171 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
21 January 2025
Employment effect (start)
22 June 2025
Foreseen end date
Description
The American multinational Guardian Glass, specialising in glass manufacturing, has announced the closure of its plant in Llodio (Álava), which currently employs 171 workers.
The company cited a combination of a reduced workload in recent months and the breakdown of a furnace at the facility as the primary reasons for its decision. The company stated that repairing or replacing the furnace would not be economically viable. According to the company, the Employment Redundancy File (ERE) is expected to be completed within six months.
Meanwhile, regional authorities, including the Basque Government and the Álava Provincial Council, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the closure and pledged their commitment to finding a solid and forward-looking business project for the plant. Employee representative organisations have rejected the company decision.
Guardian acquired the premise in 1985. In 2020, the company sold its automotive windscreen division to a Capital fund. Renamed Autoglass-Glavista, this division employed 240 workers but ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2023 Autoglass Glavista-2023-ES.
Eurofound (2025), Guardian Glass, Closure in Spain, factsheet number 202230, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/202230.