Trade union FNV wants an investigation into the proposed closure of cardboard manufacturer Solidus in Hoogkerk. “You cannot just focus on cost reduction,” says FNV director Albert Kuiper.
FNV is concerned about the future of Solidus. If investments in a more sustainable way of production are not made, this could affect the entire company in the future, the association states. Not just the branch in Hoogkerk.
In addition to Hoogkerk, Solidus has branches in Coevorden, Nieuwe-Pekela and Bad Nieuweschans. The company’s management previously announced that it wants to close the branch in Hoogkerk next year.
Fear of a house of cards
According to the management, declining demand in combination with increasing costs leads to this drastic measure. FNV director Albert Kuiper says he fears a house of cards. “We are concerned about the survival of the other locations. Closing Hoogkerk is certainly not a long-term solution.”
The cardboard industry has been struggling for some time. Production requires a lot of energy and energy is expensive. According to Kuiper, Solidus has had plans to invest in the factory for some time. “But as far as we know, those plans have remained.”
Research into closure and future of the company
The association therefore insists on an investigation into the necessity of the reorganization and the future of the other parts of the company.
The fact that government support is involved in some way is certainly an option for Kuiper. “Everyone talks about circular production. Solidus makes new products (board games and office products) from waste paper and cardboard. That is quite circular.”