Zele, Belgium – Ontex Group has announced to the Works Council at its German production plant in Recklinghausen (NRW) that by October 2012 it intends to close down the site, which employs approximately 300 staff. The main reason for this restructuring is the extremely competitive situation in Western Europe in the market of private label baby diapers. The Recklinghausen unit is facing an extended period of significant underutilization, putting severe pressure on the cost structure of this market segment.
All possible measures to avoid a closedown have been examined over the past months, but at this point this measure is the only remaining option. Ontex will work closely with the Works Council to reach a socially acceptable arrangement for the affected workers. All measures will be taken to guarantee service continuity to the customers who are being serviced from the plant.
Ontex is a key player in the European hygienic disposables market. Ontex offers a wide range of products for baby care (nappies and wipes) and feminine care (sanitary towels, panty liners and tampons). Ontex is also a key supplier to the adult incontinence sector through its healthcare division.
Ontex employs close to 4500 staff in 13 countries across the globe, and is headquartered in Zele, Belgium.
Contact
Ontex Media Relations
Luc Osselaer
[email protected]
Tel +32 476 451 501
Ontex Supply Chain Director
Klaus Tombers
[email protected]
Tel +49 170 7722 054