Rhodia plans job cuts to boost competitiveness in France

ERJ staff report (RD)

Paris - Under new plans, Rhodia, a chemical partner to the automotive industry, could cut up to 91 jobs in an attempt to boost competitiveness in France. The company's silica plants appear unaffected, though polyamide fibre will face cuts.

The company is to launch an information and consultation procedure at an extraordinary meeting of its Central Works Council on 27 March to discuss plans designed to improve the competitiveness of production facilities run by its Polyamide and Novecare activities in France, the company said 20 March.

The meeting will also include details of potential impacts on employees at the affected sites. Rhodia said the measures form part of its global program to achieve structural savings of Euro 150 million by 2011.

Rhodia may cut 80 jobs with the downsizing of its Valence, Rhône-Alpes, site to bring production in line with falling fibre demand. The company wants to focus on a single polymerisation line at the facility, potentially creating 35 new jobs. Measures include up to 40 jobs being cut at the company's Belle-Etoile, Rhône-Alpes, and up to 12 jobs may also be cut from the company's Melle, Poitou-Charles, site as part of the reorganisation.

“The implementation of these different measures could lead to the reduction of 132 positions and the creation of 41 new jobs - an overall reduction of 91 positions,” the company said.

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Press release from Rhodia