The axe hangs over Grimaud
Grimaud Logistique, the French subsidiary of Belgian group Ziegler, is heading towards liquidation only a few weeks after unveiling a drastic restructuring programme.
Under the rescue plan, 863 jobs at Grimaud were to be axed out of a total workforce of 1,184. But the company’s works committee has made no formal response, which means consultations cannot proceed.
This has left the receiver with no choice but to request the local commercial court in Bressuire to wind up the company, a statement from Grimaud’s management said. A final decision is expected in the next few weeks.
Ziegler bought Grimaud out of receivership in February 2001 and the company entered a second period of administration in December last year.
“Grimaud Logistique’s management deplores the attitude of staff representatives which has irremediably obstructed the restructuring process, ” the statement added.
Management had hoped to safeguard the remaining 340 jobs and maintain at least some of the company’s activities, but confirmed that no takeover bids had been received.
The road transport branch of the CFDT union criticised Ziegler, claiming the company had used every possible means to break up Grimaud.
The company’s problems have stemmed from the serious decline in domestic delivery of parcels with an average unit weight of around 100kg.
Posted: 03/03/2003
