The factory, which produces century-old construction toys, has officially ceased operations after more than 50 years of existence. Employees denounce a disguised relocation.
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Three quarters of the employees at the Meccano factory in Calais, or 23 people, worked their last day of work on Tuesday October 31, reports France Bleu Nord. They were all fired.
The emblematic factory, which produces century-old construction toys in Calais, has officially stopped its activity after more than 50 years of existence. The employees therefore met one last time before leaving the premises. The Meccano factory will permanently close its doors at the beginning of next year. Until then, 11 employees will continue to work to carry out the transfer of machines.
Production relocated to Hungary
Eight months ago, in February, the Canadian group Spin Master, owner of the factory, announced the closure of the site. The group explained that the company was no longer competitive. She had 10 million euros in debt. For several weeks, the production of Meccano parts has therefore been reduced. It was completely stopped on Thursday October 26.
“We have the impression that it’s a disguised relocation”says Johnny Marmin, the company’s CDFT delegate. “All the equipment was to be destroyed, the machines put up for sale. But we were told that the equipment was ultimately going to be kept for production in Hungary,” he says. The union representative announces that he is in the process of compiling a file to refer the matter to the industrial tribunal and that around forty employees have, according to him, already joined his approach.