In 2011, the 5N Plus group bought the facilities of the Industrial Society for Chemical Studies and Exploitation (Sidech), which at the time was the world leader in the production of bismuth (metal). The management cites very heavy financial losses to explain its intention. The unions, in shock, have questioned the “mismanagement” of the site for several years. The announcement made by the management launches the Renault procedure on the collective redundancy. A general meeting of workers is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on the site.
With the family company Sidech then taken over by 5N Plus more than ten years ago, the Tilly site has been producing metals since 1948. It is Seveso classified due to the nature of the products stored on site. During the extraordinary works council on Wednesday morning, the management explained to the unions that the investments which have been made since the takeover of the facilities by the Canadian group have not produced the expected effects, citing a loss of more than 40 million euros for 2021.
“Since the takeover, we have noticed that three directors have succeeded each other: for us, it has in fact had, above all, very poor management of these investments. There are workers on site with a lot of seniority, people who have worked throughout the health crisis, and this is how they are rewarded, with the announcement of an intention to completely close the factory, ”reacts the secretary. regional head office of the FGTB Philippe Leclercq general headquarters.
The unions, after the extraordinary works council, convened a general assembly of the workers forming part of the morning and afternoon shifts. This will take place at 12:00 p.m. on site.