The company said unfavorable market conditions and increased competition, which has resulted in overcapacity in the French market and subsequent price erosion, have negatively affected the site during the past couple of years. In addition, demand has stagnated. Talks with the local works council, as stipulated by French law, are in progress.

Numerous improvements have been implemented in recent years but these have not led to a sufficient recovery in profitability, Kemira added. Should the plant close, the company said it will supply the water treatment market in France from its other European sites, including in the UK, Germany and Spain.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist