Factory seeks legal restructuring

Forges de Tarbes, the only French factory producing 155 mm howitzer barrels used by Ukrainian forces, has requested judicial restructuring, raising concerns among employees and political leaders. The factory, owned by Europlasma, employs about sixty workers and is one of the last remnants of the former Tarbes arsenal in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

Unfulfilled promises and employee concerns

Europlasma, which has owned the site for two years, had previously promised to modernize the factory to increase production rates to 15,000 howitzer barrels per month by 2025. However, employees expressed frustration over unfulfilled investment promises and a lack of communication from management.

Open letter and calls for government intervention

In an open letter published in early October, employees stated they felt unsupported and unheeded, requesting "the intervention of the State." The situation has worsened with two other Europlasma sites, Fonderie de Bretagne and Valdunes, either in judicial liquidation or seeking a new buyer. José Navarro, a CGT unionist, warned that the factory is effectively in a state of insolvency.

Company confirms restructuring and financial struggles

Europlasma confirmed in a statement that it requested judicial restructuring from the Tarbes commercial court, having consulted the social and economic committee. The Direction générale de l'Armement (DGA) informed the prosecutor of Tarbes about "recent management decisions by the company that seem to have accelerated the rapid deterioration" of its financial situation. Europlasma stated it would comply with the authorities' requests.

Regional leaders and legal pressures

Carole Delga, president of the Occitanie region, condemned the uncertainty surrounding the factory, urging the government to act and invest to maintain the site. The prefecture of the Hautes-Pyrénées issued an order requiring compliance with certain factory equipment standards by December, or risk shutdown. Aurélien Saintoul, an LFI deputy, accused Europlasma of "fraud" and indicated the LFI group's intention to submit an amendment requesting nationalization.