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 23.13 - Manufacture of hollow glass
360 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
18 February 2026
Employment effect (start)
18 February 2026
Foreseen end date
Description
Verallia, a French glass packaging manufacturer, has announced that it plans to cut about 360 jobs across its European production sites.
The restructuring programme includes the potential closure of a site in Essen, Germany, affecting approximately 300 positions Verallia Deutschland 2026-DE , and the shutdown of a furnace in Châteaubernard, France, affecting around 60 jobs Verallia 2026-FR . Reductions in France are expected to rely on voluntary departure plans and pre-retirement schemes, while the group has committed to working closely with unions and employee representatives to support all affected staff.
In the United Kingdom, the company intends to close an end-of-life furnace in Knottingley while exploring redeployment options for employees at a nearby site in Leeds.
The cuts are driven by a structural decline in demand for glass packaging and reduced alcohol consumption.
Verallia is a leading global producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products. The group has 35 production sites across 12 countries worldwide, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Verallia employs over 10,000 people worldwide.
Eurofound (2026), Verallia, Internal restructuring in World, factsheet number 204311, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204311.
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