QSIL glass factory in Winschoten will close on June 1, 2024. This means that the 130 employees will lose their jobs.
The staff was informed of the closure on Tuesday afternoon. According to the German parent group QSIL, the production of special glass is no longer possible. The cause is the increased price of the sand used to make the glass. This raw material has become much more expensive due to the increased demand from solar panel manufacturers in Asia.
Shocked
FNV director Janwillem Compaijen confirms the message. “I’m shocked by it,” he says. According to the FNV man, there were no indications that the closure was imminent, although some employees were concerned about the future of the factory.
The union will hold a members meeting on Saturday to discuss the situation with the staff.
Philips Winschoten
QSIL is the continuation of Philips Winschoten, which established itself in the East Groningen town 51 years ago. Screens for black-and-white televisions were made in the factory. There were 400 people working there at any given time. QSIL currently makes special types of glass, including for car lamps.