Hagondange Steel Plant Faces Uncertain Future as Court Reviews Takeover Offers

The steel industry in Hagondange, France, stands at a critical crossroads with the future of the NovAsco-Hagondange steel plant hanging in the balance. After undergoing four judicial recoveries since 2011, the plant faces imminent closure, casting a shadow over the 450 employees currently working there. The commercial court in Strasbourg is scheduled to evaluate takeover offers on November 12, a pivotal moment that could determine both the fate of the steelworks and its workforce.

Europlasma has proposed acquiring four sites, including Hagondange along with locations in Saint-Etienne and Leffrinckoucke. However, this offer includes retaining only 75 jobs out of the 450 in Hagondange, a significant reduction. Alternatively, Métal Blanc has submitted a proposal solely for the Leffrinckoucke site. Following the hearing, a decision on the future direction for these sites will be announced.

In response to the precarious situation, workers at NovAsco-Hagondange have taken action by holding a general assembly and voting to organize protests in the Orne valley, signaling strong opposition to the potential job losses and plant closure.

Government involvement is ongoing, with an inter-union delegation set to meet Minister of Economy Sébastien Martin at Bercy. The minister has expressed hope that the Hagondange site could avoid closure and not become abandoned land, indicating an interest in preserving some industrial activity at the location.

This situation exemplifies the wider challenges facing the French steel sector amid industrial restructuring and economic pressures. The coming days will be critical in shaping the plant's destiny and the livelihoods of its employees.