French dairy giant Danone has confirmed its plan to close its dairy and plant-based yogurts facility in Parets del Vallès, located north of Barcelona, Spain, as part of a local rationalization process to strengthen the competitiveness of brands and gain industrial efficiency. This decision will impact some 157 workers at the site.
The company has initiated negotiations pertaining to the cessation of plant activities with the legal representation of the workers. Danone has shared its closure decision with the CCOO CAT works council, leading to the rejection of the announcement and an urging for the company to reverse its intentions.
“Likewise, Danone Spain will try to reach and agreement that satisfies the interests of all parties and will make every effort to mitigate the consequences of this announcement.”
In response to the closure, the Catalonian trade union Comissió Obrera Nacional de Catalunya (CCOO CAT) anticipates the company to develop “an industrial plan that guarantees the continuity of activity and jobs at the Vallès plant.”
Furthermore, Danone is committed to working with the legal representation of the workers to offer the best possible solutions and minimize the impact on the employees of the plant. The company also aims to facilitate industrial continuity in the area and minimize labor impact through reindustrialization.
In 2021, Danone made a significant investment in the installation of a new plant-based production line at the Catalonian site. This investment demonstrated a commitment to dairy and dairy-alternative products production in the same space.
Moreover, the company has begun its search for a new buyer for the plant. Danone will also strive to boost “reindustrialization” with the goal of “facilitating industrial continuity in the area and minimizing labor impact”.
It’s important to note that, Danone claims this decision is made with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of brands and gaining industrial efficiency. They will work together with the legal representation of the workers to offer the best possible solutions and minimize the impact on the employees of the plant.
By making this announcement, Danone remains committed to mitigating the consequences for its employees and aims to reach an agreement that satisfies the interests of all parties.
