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.
Arjo Wiggins produces paper pulp on its two sites based in Belgium. The company employs 684 workers including 80 long-term additional temporary workers. Because of international competition and the decline in demand for its products, Arjo Wiggins has decided to set up a new production site in the Czech Republic and to reorganise the two Belgian sites of Nivelles and of Virginal. This reorganisation led to significant restructuring and in mid-September, the group’s management announced the closure of the production site of Nivelles and the loss of 147 jobs and the breaking of 80 temporary employment contracts. Some of its activities will be relocated to the site of Virginal. Some of of staff will then be relocated to Virginal. At the end of January, the social partners with the help of the social Ombudsman have finally reached an agreement on the setting up of a social plan. This agreement represents a step forward with regard to the rights of temporary workers and the status of manual workers.
Eurofound (2006), Arjo Wiggins, Relocation in Belgium, factsheet number 64973, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/64973.