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 (22 - 23) Manufacture of rubber, plastic and non-metallic minerals 23.1 - Manufacture of glass and glass products 23.1 - Manufacture of glass and glass products
340 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
7 April 2025
Employment effect (start)
7 April 2025
Foreseen end date
Description
After shutting down furnaces in Europe and implementing short-time work measures, the American glass manufacturer Owens-Illinois is now laying off in its French plants, with two sites reportedly affected by restructuring plans. The group's management has confirmed upcoming "operational adjustments" at the Gironcourt, Puy-de-Dôme, and Reims sites.
The Vayres plan will see the permanent shutdown of one of its furnaces, and the Vergèze site may close altogether. A total of 320 net job cuts is expected. These reductions are part of the "Fit to Win" plan, which has already been implemented in the Netherlands, Scotland, with production lines also shut down in Germany.
Updated, 10/10/2025
Owens-Illinois Glass is cutting 340 jobs in France as it closes all its European manufacturing sites. The Gironcourt, Puy-Guillaume, Reims, Vayres and Vergèze sites are all affected. In the Gard, the Vergèze factory is closing, affecting 164 employees. Following the announcement by management in April, various protests took place. Management decided to close the production line following what they deemed to be violent acts. The mayor supported the trade union protests and emphasised the site's importance, given its proximity to Perrier's spring.
Employees claim that this is intended to please BlackRock shareholders. The company is also closing the production in the Netherlands: O-I Glass 2025 - NL, Scotland, and Spain, as well as its headquarters in Italy. The works council has voted against the management's plan.
Eurofound (2025), O-I Glass , Internal restructuring in France, factsheet number 203596, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203596.
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