Following the consultation process initiated on February 18 with the staff of its wood factory in Châtel-St-Denis, Samvaz SA unfortunately confirms the closure of the site. The analysis of the proposals submitted by employees has not led to the identification of a viable solution to ensure the long-term sustainability of the factory.
This marks the end of a significant chapter for Samvaz SA and the team at its wood factory, whose dedication and expertise have shaped the company’s history for more than 50 years. The Arena metal factory, dedicated to the SAM®, RALI®, TERSA®, and PIPEX® brands, which represents the core of our activities, is not affected by this decision. It continues to develop and remains the company’s strategic pillar.
Social plan and job placement opportunities for affected employees
Aware of the human impact of such a decision, Samvaz SA will offer favorable departure conditions to the employees affected by the site’s closure and will support them beyond its legal obligations. The notice period for dismissed employees will be six months.
The open and productive dialogue with the UNIA trade union has also led to the implementation of personalized support measures, including administrative assistance, coaching, and help with CV writing and interview preparation.
Additionally, we have engaged in discussions with our partners, suppliers, and clients to explore job placement solutions for employees of the wood factory. These constructive exchanges have already led to the identification of about ten job opportunities for the affected employees.
We will also be able to transfer five employees to our Arena factory, which specializes in manufacturing metal products.
Continuity for clients of the Bourg wood factory
Discussions with industry stakeholders have also helped identify possible solutions to ensure the continuation of key products from the wood factory. These talks are well advanced, and we will keep you informed of their progress in the coming weeks.
Next Steps
The final shutdown of the wood factory’s operations is planned for the course of 2025. We will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for our clients and partners.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our employees, whose expertise and commitment have helped the wood factory thrive for more than 50 years. We also thank our clients and partners for their trust.
