Nestle reportedly has plans to close its Timisoara facility, in western Romania, by the end of May.
The closure of the facility is expected to impact approximately 390 jobs.
Nestle Romania country manager Leszek Wacirz was quoted by SeeNews as saying: “The closure of the Timisoara production unit is an extremely difficult decision, taken after a detailed analysis and after all alternatives have been implemented.
“Nestle locally operates in a market that is experiencing a period of rapid change, characterised by new patterns of consumption and labour shortages in a competitive environment.”
“We are analysing all options in order to provide the necessary support to our colleagues. Our priority is to mitigate the effects of this change for our employees.”
Nestle acquired the Timisoara facility in 2000. The unit annually produces over 10,000t of sweets and coffee.
Management notified employees about the closure, which initiated talks with the unions to find the best solution for workers impacted by the move.
Nestle Romania plans to shift its operations to other facilities to ensure continuity for its customers.
Nestle Romania human resources director Jackie Avery said: “We’ve initiated a wide consultation process with our employees and the union to identify the best solutions we can use to support our people during this period.
“We’re looking at every possible way to do so, from assistance for finding new jobs or gaining new skills to organising job fairs in the factory. Employees who will be laid off will receive compensatory salaries based on the time they spent at our company.”
The 30 employees working at the Nestle Regional Cost Competence Center in Timisoara will not be affected by this closure.
Nestle forayed into the Romanian market in 1995. Its manufactures beverages, culinary products, infant nutrition and sweets in this market.
