Audi Brussels will close permanently on February 28: “Painful decision”

“Our goal was to complete the information and consultation process together with the social partners, including a social plan for employees. Unfortunately, the social partners rejected a sixth, further improved offer from the management of Audi Brussels. We deeply regret this,” spokesperson Peter D’hoore said in a response.

The company will now offer all its employees “a voluntary company bonus on top of the statutory severance pay”. On Wednesday night, the spokesperson said that it was a “very fair offer”. The compensation is “more than twice as high as legally required”, it was said on Thursday afternoon. All staff are also offered support programmes. “These include coaching programs and so-called outplacement services,” says D’hoore.

“Most difficult decision”

Gerd Walker, member of the management board at parent company Audi AG and responsible for production, calls the closure “a painful decision”. “For me personally, it was the hardest decision I have ever made in my professional life.”

“In recent months we have analyzed all conceivable alternatives for the Brussels branch and held intensive discussions with the social partners. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a suitable project for a new vehicle within the group or alternative uses that are economically feasible. There is also no external investor with a sustainable concept to take over the factory and its staff,” says Walker.

He also regrets that no social plan could be reached with the social partners. “We were willing to make compromises until the end.”