Tire maker Bridgestone announced Wednesday the closure of its Béthune plant in the North, which employs 863 people.
The inhabitants of the region, already severely affected by social plans in recent years, also fear for their future.
REPORTAGE
Bridgestone's announcement caused a shock across the region.
The closure of the Béthune factory, which employs 863 people in Pas-de-Calais, immediately sparked an outcry among residents and politicians alike.
Xavier Bertand, the president of the Hauts-de-France region, went so far as to denounce "a betrayal of trust".
In Béthune and the surrounding area, astonishment and concern are still strong, in a region already severely affected by social plans in recent years.
"If we let it happen, that will only be the beginning"
The closure of the Bridgestone plant could weaken the entire employment pool.
As proof, a gathering of employees of companies in the region took place Thursday morning, in front of the factory gates.
"We cannot let go of this factory. It is part of the walls, of our heritage," said one of these employees.
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Employees of SMEs or other groups fear the collateral effects of this closure, especially on temporary work.
"All the young people who work here will find themselves unemployed. The temporary employment agencies and outside companies are working with Bridgestone. Tomorrow, it may be our company's turn. What are we going to do?" Asks an employee.
"The Covid and now Bridgestone which is closing ... If we let it happen, that will only be the beginning", he worries.
"If there are no more salaries, there will be no more money and the entire Béthune sector will be affected", engages another.
Unions and elected officials mobilized
Unions and elected officials, all stripes, have also mobilized to engage in the standoff with Bridgestone and force it to invest to save jobs.
"The State and the Hauts-de-France region are calling on the Bridgestone group to assume its responsibilities, while it has largely divested the Béthune plant for many years," wrote Xavier Bertrand in a joint statement with the government.
But many residents are under no illusions.
"The Japanese have no regrets. If they have to close, they close. We only have old machines in the factory, we only make small tires. It does not sell," laments Bruno.
This Thursday at noon, the employees of the Bridgestone factory resumed their positions on the production lines.
But still with great anxiety for their future.