Type
Closure
Country
Spain
Region
Este; Cataluña; Barcelona
Location of affected unit(s)
Barcelona
Sector
Manufacturing
Manufacture Of Rubber And Plastic Products And Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products
Manufacture Of Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products
23.1 - Manufacture Of Glass And Glass Products

170 jobs
Number of planned job losses
Job loss
Announcement Date
31 January 2025
Employment effect (start)
31 March 2025
Foreseen end date
31 March 2025

Description

Vidriería Rovira, a Catalan glass manufacturer and subsidiary of the American Owens-Illinois multinational, has announced the closure of its plant in Barcelona, leaving 170 employees—95% of its workforce—unemployed. The company plans to cease production and logistics operations, retaining only a small commercial office. The closure aligns with Owens-Illinois' global restructuring strategy, aiming to cut operational costs and reduce production capacity by 4%, citing falling demand and financial pressures. The closure is expected to be finalised by Spring 2025.

Trade unions have strongly opposed the closure, demanding negotiations to explore alternatives that safeguard jobs and the company’s future. They have also urged governmental intervention, given the significant impact on the local industrial sector. The decision comes as the workforce remains under a temporary redundancy scheme (ERTE).


Sources

Citation

Eurofound (2025), Vidrieria Rovira, Closure in Spain, factsheet number 202327, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/202327.