“If they say they will go, they will go”
During the final minutes of the meeting, the committee members stated that Danone pledged to try to sell the Salas factory in Asturias to a financially solid investor capable of sustaining the plant’s viability. Juan Carlos García, who serves as secretary and spokesperson for the committee, explained that the buyer does not need to come from the dairy sector.
In response, Danone proposed early retirements, transfers to other Spanish facilities, and a willingness to negotiate with potential buyers to ensure that laid-off workers have priority for relocation as the operation moves into a new phase.
The management of the French multinational completed an employment regulation dossier (ERE) on Monday with the aim of dismissing its entire workforce of 79 employees before year’s end, a development that followed the company’s announcement to close the Salas plant for productive reasons.
Production for Salas would then be supplied by the Pays de Bray facility in France, with Danone continuing to serve the Spanish market from that site.
“If they say they will go, they will go.”
The labor representatives at Salas urged that the multinational’s exit be not delayed, calling it irreversible, and pressed for intensified efforts to identify a buyer who can sustain continuity in industrial activity at the plant. This stance followed a second discussion with company leaders in Oviedo, where Danone’s rationale for the shutdown was reviewed. The workers’ spokesperson reiterated, “If they say they will go, they will go.”
The talks have drawn strong interest from Salas Town Hall, the Principality, and the Ministry of Industry, all pushing to preserve employment and ongoing industrial activity. Meetings have been held in Oviedo and Madrid, with yesterday’s gathering at the Industry Ministry headquarters bringing together general directors from Industry, Employment, and Rural Development and the Salas mayor alongside representatives from multinational entities. The Principality has reiterated its position: the only viable option is to resume operations and safeguard jobs.
While the company has signaled plans to close by year’s end, the Asturias government and Industry officials have signaled a willingness to explore alternatives. The General Manager of Industry confirmed that the company has remained open to other possibilities, subject to constructive negotiations and concrete proposals.
The Asturias government’s representative emphasized a concerted effort to keep the factory’s activities alive. Delia Losa, the government delegate, highlighted that the Ministry of Industry is actively seeking an alternative that avoids total closure. She noted that discussions have been extensive and direct, though specific operational details could not be disclosed. The ministry has engaged with the company at multiple levels, prioritizing solutions that maintain employment while addressing the company’s strategic interests.
In parallel, ongoing contacts illustrate a shared commitment among regional and central authorities to reach a viable solution. The aim is clear: preserve both industrial activity and local livelihoods while ensuring a fair process for workers and a stable path for the business.