New industrial shock in Lorraine: the Indorama factory is to close, more than 160 jobs lost.

The Thai group Indorama Ventures will close its Longlaville plant in Meurthe-et-Moselle this summer, resulting in the loss of more than 160 direct jobs in a region already weakened by deindustrialization. The site, which specializes in manufacturing plastic fibers for the tire industry, will cease production on June 23.

According to union representatives, 163 employees are directly affected by the restructuring plan, in addition to temporary workers and several indirect jobs linked to the site's activity. An agreement has been negotiated with management to secure exceptional bonuses, compensation, and redeployment leave for the affected employees.

Chinese competition at the heart of the crisis

The Longlaville plant had been facing a sharp decline in orders for several years due to pressure from Asian competition and the slowdown in the European automotive sector. According to several industry sources, the site is now operating at only about half of its production capacity.

The Indorama group, a world leader in PET used in plastic bottles and textiles, is currently undertaking a major international restructuring aimed at reducing costs and improving profitability. The closure of the Lorraine site is part of this industrial refocusing strategy.

Another blow for industrial Lorraine

This announcement has sparked serious concern in the Longwy region, which has been marked for decades by factory closures and the gradual loss of industrial jobs. Local elected officials and unions fear a further economic weakening of the area, which is already facing high unemployment and the exodus of some of its workers to neighboring Luxembourg.

Management will now have to initiate the procedures related to the job protection plan and the possible search for a buyer, in accordance with the obligations provided for by French law for large industrial groups.