The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Manufacturing Manufacturing Of Machinery And Equipment Manufacture Of Machinery And Equipment N.E.C. 28.11 - Manufacture of engines and turbines, except aircraft, vehicle and cycle engines
239 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
30 June 2020
Employment effect (start)
Foreseen end date
Description
Siemens Gamesa, the Spanish multinational company developing new technologies dedicated to wind energy, has announced the closure of its plant in Aoiz (Navarra), affecting its 239 employees. The company argues that the factory is not competitive to produce the huge blades of the newer wind turbine models (170m length), in addition to its high costs and its geographical location (more than 200 kilometers from the nearest port). It also cites competitive pressures and declining margins as motives for the restructuring. However, the firm highlighted this decision is not directly related to the Covid-19 crisis (although it has affected its operations and commercial activity). The unions ELA, LAB, CCOO and UGT has rejected the case for closure, arguing the company assessed that the factory had orders to maintain employment until 2021 and that the workforce is continuously in restructuring processes. Indeed, Siemens Gamesa workforce has already faced collective layoff plans in 2019, affecting 109 workers, and 2018, affecting 226 workers.
The company employs 24,000 people worldwide and around 5,000 in Spain.
Eurofound (2020), Siemens Gamesa, Closure in Spain, factsheet number 101213, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/101213.
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