Italian appliance maker Indesit Company plans to shut down its French production site in Manom by the end of the year, union sources said, adding that 110 jobs are at risk.
The plant produces ceramic hot plates. ‘We currently have no information where, and by whom, the hotplates will be produced next year,” a Force Ouvriere spokesman told Agence France Presse.
An Indesit spokesman confirmed the AFP report, saying that talks have started with unions on the future of the plant and “about 100 workers’.”
‘It is a factory that because of its small scale and specialization is being considered for closure by the end of the year, he said.
This is the only Indesit plant producing these ceramic plates, he added, noting that other cooker product plants are located in Italy, UK, and Poland, with the Italian factory being the most advanced plant.
Production of the ceramic hotplates would “probably” be transferred to Italy, he said, adding that Indesit is not considering closure of other plants.
The spokesman declined to comment on first half results before release on August 3, beyond noting that the company is “trying to defend itself” in the face of difficult market conditions. (AFX )