Headline:
production/” title=”Plant Closure Looms: 58 Jobs at Risk as Manufacturer Suspends Production”>Kebony Secures Financing, Continues Production in Belgium; Norway: Four Thyroid Centers Still Without New Contracts for Radiation Treatment”>Skien Factory to Close
Article:
Wood materials manufacturer Kebony has announced a strategic decision to discontinue operations at its Skien, Norway factory, opting to continue full production from its Belgian facility in Antwerp. This move comes after months of review and negotiations, took into consideration current cost levels, future demand, and the challenging market situation.
"We understand that this news is difficult for our employees in Skien," said Tom Paemeleire, CEO of Kebony. "We deeply appreciate their hard work and contributions over the years, and we are committed to supporting them in the coming months."
The decision to close the Skien factory is purely financial, with Kebony aiming to maintain employment opportunities unrelated to production. The company has been in dialogue with employee representatives and will now begin individual consultations.
The news was met with a somber atmosphere at the Kebony factory in Skien on Friday morning. Dan René Andreassen, a local trade union representative, described the mood as "hugely negative" among the almost 50 employees who will lose their jobs.
"It’s a heavy blow to receive such news, that we will lose our jobs from March," Andreassen said. "There is a lot of dissatisfaction among the employees."
Kebony has expressed its commitment to supporting its employees through this challenging period, with an focus on their well-being and security in the months ahead.
Photo: Jonas Nilsen
Related reading