Biznes Fakty
The plant is to be closed down, over 200 people will lose their jobs
Over 200 workers are set to lose their positions due to upcoming collective layoffs at the „Marta 2” Glassworks, located in Chełm and Dubeczno (Lublin Province). The company reported a loss of nearly PLN 1.5 million last year. The shareholders’ meeting has resolved to shut down the plant.
Barbara Gil, the Director of the District Labor Office in Chełm, stated that the employer has expressed its intention to terminate the employment of 211 individuals at the Glassworks „Marta 2” in Chełm due to the plant’s liquidation. Notices of termination have been received by 192 individuals, with one person registering as unemployed and eligible for benefits.
– Most of those affected by the collective layoffs are still in the process of being formally dismissed. Not everyone qualifies for registration in Chełm, as some are under the jurisdiction of the employment office in Włodawa – she noted.
The director of the Chełm County Employment Office does not rule out the possibility that the number of impacted individuals may be lower, as the employer is exploring the potential to initiate a new production line.
Director Gil acknowledged that it is still uncertain what types of support the affected individuals will be able to access, as their qualifications are not yet known.
– We will strive to engage these individuals through various support mechanisms, such as personalized training with guaranteed employment or internships. It will also be feasible to apply for funding to start a business. Employers may also seek financial assistance to equip or upgrade workstations – she mentioned. She added that the office has received additional resources for professional activation from the minister’s reserve.
Liquidation of the company
The PAP inquired about the status of the company and its workforce, but did not receive a response. According to details available on the company’s website, the Marta 2 Glassworks was established in 1996 and generated revenue by producing and selling glass products. At the end of the previous year, the company employed 246 staff. In May of this year, the shareholders’ meeting approved a resolution to dissolve and commence the liquidation process.
Sylwia Łoś, the head of the Municipal Social Welfare Centre in Hańsk, informed PAP that the municipality arranged an informational meeting attended by over 200 employees from the steelworks. She added that the municipality is working to coordinate support for the laid-off individuals, directing them to relevant institutions like PUP, KRUS, or ZUS, and also facilitating connections with legal advisors and psychologists.
According to the GOPS manager, some former employees have opted to apply for retirement and unemployment benefits, while others have secured new employment. She acknowledged that the steelworks in Dubeczno is one of the largest employers in the district, and many who have worked there for years may find retraining challenging.
A loss of up to 1.5 million zlotys
The financial report from the Marta 2 Glassworks indicates that in 2024, the company achieved net sales revenues of PLN 15 million, while incurring a net loss of nearly PLN 1.5 million. This year, the company is obligated to repay over PLN 10.6 million in loans with interest.
„The Management Board is undertaking extensive measures aimed at reducing operating costs to enhance profitability. Significant efforts are underway to restructure the plant, efficiently manage resources, and improve production quality and efficiency,” – the report from last year stated.
The management board identified the company’s primary challenges as issues with debt collection, a challenging and unpredictable domestic and foreign market situation, an increased risk of losing liquidity, and uncertainty regarding the continuation of operations.
