Fibrant produces fertilizer and a building block for nylon at Chemelot. The chemical group is ceasing the production of caprolactam, which is used as a raw material for nylon and is used in electric cars, packaging materials and clothing, among other things.
CEO Martijn Amory cites high production costs in the Netherlands and Europe as the reason for the proposed factory closure. The company is also struggling to compete in Asia.
“We realize that the proposed changes have a major impact on our employees and on Chemelot,” says Amory. “It is painful that we have to consider closing part of our production, precisely because we stand for sustainable and responsible production. Yet the financial gap is too big to ignore.”
Province and chemical park Chemelot warn of loss of industry: ‘Not Limburg, but European interest’
Fibrant is a customer of other companies at Chemelot. The CNV trade union therefore fears a “domino effect” and is very concerned about the survival of the industrial park. “This is a heavy blow,” says CNV negotiator Ed Leunissen. “Of course for the employees, who now lose their future prospects. But also for Chemelot and the entire region.”
According to Leunissen, industrial employment in the area has been declining for years. “Many companies at Chemelot are already having a hard time and with the closure of the caprolactam factory they will lose even more turnover,” he fears. The association wants politicians to intervene and “pull the right buttons” to create a level playing field and “prevent problems such as at Chemelot”.
Fibrant is “aware of the consequences this decision may have for the local economy, suppliers and other stakeholders,” the company said in a statement. The chemical group continues to look for solutions that “limit” the impact on the region and “offer opportunities for future cooperation”.
All Fibrant employees were informed about the plans on Tuesday. A final decision will be made after advice from the works council.