Negotiations halve layoffs at South Zealand glassworks

Ardagh Glass Holmegaard, a glassworks near Næstved, will lay off 50 employees after negotiations cut the planned redundancies from 100, DR reports.

The company had announced several weeks ago that it would part with one in three employees. Sjællandske Nyheder reported that the number of planned layoffs has since been halved. Managing director Kim Holmberg told DR that the reduction, reached partly through voluntary agreements, was positive.

The glassworks is closing one furnace and two production lines. Management said the changes were necessary to avoid the risk of the entire company closing.

In total, 98 positions will be eliminated. Alongside the 50 layoffs, 27 employees have agreed to leave voluntarily, temporary contracts will not be extended and vacant positions will remain unfilled.

Employees will be told on Monday and Tuesday whether they will keep their jobs. Holmberg said the process had created a subdued atmosphere, but that reaching a decision could bring some clarity.

The company recorded a loss of 20 million kroner in the spring after six months under a packaging tax it has criticised.