ArcelorMittal, the world's second largest steelmaker, announced its intention to close two sites in France, in Reims and Denain, citing a significant drop in activity in the industrial and automotive sectors. This decision could lead to the elimination of 130 positions, sparking a strong reaction from unions and employees.
A tense economic situation for ArcelorMittal
In a press release published this week, ArcelorMittal presented a project to reorganize its subsidiary “ArcelorMittal Service Centers”, specializing in the wholesale trade of metals and minerals. The company explained that it was facing a drop in activity among its industrial customers, particularly in the automotive sector, a phenomenon which has intensified in recent months.
The Denain site, located in the North, and that of Reims, in Marne, are directly targeted by this restructuring. In Denain, around thirty jobs would be affected, while in Reims, around a hundred positions could disappear.
David Blaise, CGT central union delegate, denounced a decision taken without anticipation: “ We knew well what was going to happen in the automobile industry, but nothing was done to diversify activities. » According to him, this closure is part of a logic of competitiveness to the detriment of employees. The unions are demanding social measures to limit the impact of this decision.
Faced with this announcement, employees at the Denain site immediately began a strike, and actions are planned for next week on all of ArcelorMittal's French sites. The steelmaker has undertaken to open negotiations with union representatives to discuss support measures for the employees concerned.
A decision that revives Florange’s memories
This restructuring comes in a difficult context for the European automotive industry, which recorded 32,000 job cuts among equipment manufacturers in the first half of 2024. The repercussions are being felt throughout the supply chain, affecting in particular the steel and steel sectors. of the tire. At the beginning of November, Michelin also announced the closure of two factories in France, leading to the loss of more than 1,200 jobs.
For Marc Ferracci, Minister Delegate for Industry, this situation reflects the upheavals affecting European industry. While recognizing the need to adapt to these changes, he admitted that other closures could occur in the months to come.
This announcement awakens painful memories of the closure of the Florange blast furnaces in 2012, which marked a turning point in the history of the French steel industry. With major sites in Dunkirk and Fos-sur-Mer, ArcelorMittal remains a key player in supplying steel to the automotive and construction industries, but its presence in France is dwindling in the face of fierce international competition and an economic slowdown. overall.
