AkzoNobel cutting nearly 280 jobs, closing two paint factories
Paint manufacturer AkzoNobel plans to close its factories in the Gelderland town of Wapenveld and in the Machelen, Belgium. The two locations together are staffed by almost 280 employees.
The decision is part of a “multi-year industrial transformation plan,” the company said on Thursday. AkzoNobel is planning to move production to other countries.
AkzoNobel will enter into discussions with the works councils and unions about the proposed closures. Depending on the outcome of the talks, the company will decide on the precise consequences for the staff, a spokesperson said. He added that AkzoNobel will “actively support employees in finding a new job” if necessary.
A total of 143 employees work for AkzoNobel at the factory in Wapenveld, where decorative paints and coatings. The Machelen site has 133 employees and produces decorative paint. It is not yet known when the factories will close.
AkzoNobel wants to work more efficiently and respond to “changes in market demand,” the spokesman says. “You need investments to modernize. You also look at the potential of the site and the relocation of production,” he said.
The group is aiming to transfer production to Spain, Poland and Estonia. Economies of scale should ensure lower costs and more efficient use of the industrial capacities and its network, AkzoNobel stated.
