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.
On 1 June 2011, the Belgian group Ontex, a producer of hygienic disposable products, announced the closure of its plant in Arnas (Rhône) and the loss of 187 jobs.
The management announced its plan at an extraordinary meeting of the company's works council and established a psychological unit to support employees under pressure. Following the announcement the works council members decided to cease operations at the site due to work-related injuries possibly due to lack of concentration.
According to the management, Ontex has to counter "global overcapacity" linked to a decrease in sales of nappies, strong competition from major brands within the sector, higher costs of raw materials. Production activities could be moved to the Czech Republic and Germany.
With a total workforce of 4,250 employees, Ontex operates nine plants in the EU and another three in other non-EU countries (Algeria, China, and Turkey).
Eurofound (2011), Ontex, Closure in France, factsheet number 72040, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/72040.
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