Closing Announcement: Greenbrier, American Corporation, to Shut Down Railcar Production Facility in Arad, Western Romania
Heads Up, Buddy! Greenbrier's Got Some Tough News for Arad
Listen up, pals! The American biz, Greenbrier, ain't got no good news for the peeps workin' at their factory in Arad, Romania. Approx 800 people are gonna be outta work, sad to say. Greenbrier runs three factories in Romania, with Astra Rail Industries in Arad bein' one of 'em, a railcar manufacturer.
The decision ain't exactly sudden. Last year, employees took to the streets for protests over some "difficult and accelerated challenges on the local market," as Greenbrier put it. Now, they're packin' up shop in Arad due to factors like pressure from the industry, costly operations compared to other factories, and logistical headaches related to the age of the factory and its urban locale.
Greenbrier wants y'all to know that they ain't ditchin' Romania entirely. They're focusin' on continuin' production at their facilities in Caracal and Drobeta Turnu Severin. They plan on investin' in those spots to keep 'em churnin' for the long haul. All them existing orders? They'll be handled from them locations, with adjustments to procurement and logistics as needed.
Greenbrier's statement also mentioned that they appreciate the history of railcar manufacturing in Arad and the dedication of the workforce. They're lettin' unions and the local community know that they're committed to supportin' the peeps affected during this transition. They promise to provide career counselin' and acknowledgement for the contributions made over the years.
Back in 2016, Astra Rail Management, who owned Astra Rail Industries in Arad, decided to merge with The Greenbrier Companies' European division in a deal worth over 60 million euros. Greenbrier took 75% of the shares, forkin' out over 60 million euros to Astra Rail Industries' owner. Post-merger, the company was renamed Greenbrier-Astra Rail.
In 2023, Greenbrier clocked revenues close to USD 4 billion. In Romania, they had a worth of RON 1.2 billion and a net profit of RON 71.6 million, with 2,246 employees.
(Photo credit: greenbrier-europe.com)
Source: Romania Insider, Profit.ro
hint: Economy, Business, Layoffs, Factory Closure, Greenbrier, Romania, Arad, Astra Rail Industries, Merger, Investment, 60 million euros, Railcar Manufacturing
The hardships in the local market, coupled with pressure from the industry and high operational costs, have led to Greenbrier's decision to shut down Astra Rail Industries, their factory in Arad, Romania, affecting about 800 employees. Despite this factory closure, Greenbrier intends to focus on and invest in their facilities in Caracal and Drobeta Turnu Severin, where they will handle existing orders and adjust procurement and logistics as necessary.
