This Thursday, January 24, the Lille commercial court will rule on the fate of Valdunes, the only French manufacturer of wheels and axles for the railway. In receivership, the northern company and its 320 employees are holding their breath. The day promises to be crucial to determine whether a buyer can be found by the deadline set by the courts.
Valdunes: Potential buyers, but no guarantee
The Valdunes file has attracted two potential buyers in recent weeks offering little hope of rescue. The Europlasma group has made a takeover offer for the forge of Leffrinckouckeprovided that another industrialist takes over the factory Trith-Saint-Léger. For its part, the Ukrainian group Interpipe showed interest in this factory, and carried out tests to assess the viability of a takeover.
However, nothing is decided. Interpipe has not yet confirmed its offerwhile the financial strength ofEuroplasma raises doubts about its ability to invest the necessary 65 million euros. The foreign origin of Interpipe also raises questions, while the region is calling for a French or European buyer.
In short, a few hours before the deadline, the future of Valdunes remains more than uncertain. Local employees and elected officials are hoping for a last-minute miracle.
Political and social mobilization to save jobs
Aware of the human and economic issues, many actors are mobilizing to save Valdunes and its 320 direct jobs.
- Several elected officials from the region traveled to Lille to defend the company. The mayor of Lille Martine Aubry, the president of the region Xavier Bertrand and the deputy Adrien Quatennens will participate in the hearing, in a rare burst of political unity.
- The CGT and CFDT unions called on employees to gather in front of the commercial court, in a “day of mobilization” to “save Valdunes”.
- Valdunes management has been taking steps for months to find solutions, with the help of the public authorities. But time is running out…
This collective mobilization shows that Valdunes is considered a symbol of French industry, which must be supported at all costs to preserve jobs and know-how.
The outcome of this decisive day remains uncertain. But it will highlight the capacity – or not – of the State, communities and the private sector to save French industrial flagships in difficulty.
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