The American giant Greenbrier is closing the Astra Rail wagon factory in Arad, where around 800 people work.
The decision is explained by pressures in the industry, increasing costs, and the age of the facility.
Astra Rail Industries, which has nearly 800 employees in Arad and another 1,400 in its factories in Turnu Severin and Caracal, has recently faced some difficulties. At that time, the factory workers organized a protest in the unit's courtyard, as reminded by Profit.ro.
Greenbrier now states that the closure decision was influenced by several factors, including increasing industry pressures, rising operational costs compared to other units, and logistical constraints related to the age of the factory and the urban environment.
Greenbrier Romania assures that it will continue to strengthen its production operations at the Caracal and Drobeta Turnu Severin factories. The company intends to further invest in these units to support their long-term development.
The three factories, spanning 357,000 square meters, have a production capacity of 5,000 freight wagons per year, the largest capacity in Europe according to the latest data. The factories were producing for clients in Western Europe as there was no demand in Romania, as reported by ZF.
Existing orders will be fulfilled from the other two existing factories, and acquisition and logistics strategies will be adjusted according to needs.
"Greenbrier deeply appreciates the long history of wagon production in Arad and the dedication of the workforce.
The company is fully engaged in this process and will closely cooperate with unions and the local community to provide support to the affected employees throughout this transition.
All efforts will be made to assist affected colleagues, including professional counseling and honoring the contributions of all those who have been essential over the years," as stated in the company's press release.
Greenbrier, an American manufacturer of railcars and barges, recorded revenues of nearly $4 billion in 2023, of which $1.2 billion in Romania, and a net profit of $71.6 million, with 2,246 employees.
Astra Rail Industries is the largest player in the Romanian rolling stock market, competing with players such as Alstom Transport, Astra Vagoane Călători Arad (Valer Blidar), or Softronic Craiova (locomotive production).