- It's an incredible turnout. All of Tidaholm wants to do everything to keep the factory here, says Claes Schoultz, club chair for the GS trade union to SVT News West.

Many had gathered outside the Marbodals factory in Tidaholm during Thursday afternoon. On site were Fredrik Nyström, CEO of Marbodal, to receive the 8,000 signatures.

- We handed over a package with the names that will be passed on to the Board of Directors, to have them reconsider their decision to close down Tidaholm and build new in Jönköping.

"It's about four generations"

The signatures were handed to Fredrik Nyström, CEO of Marbodal. The picture to the left shows Claes Schoultz, club chair for the GS trade union.

Claes Schoultz has worked at the factory for 46 years and according to him, many more than he did. Kitchen has been produced in Tidaholm for a full 95 years.

- My grandfather and my dad and even my children have worked here. It's about four generations. We who work here have the expertise to build kitchens.

Build a new factory

The plan is for the factory to be closed down in 2024 - and a new factory to be built in Jönköping instead.

- We are proud to be marbodaler and we have delivered millions of kitchens. The management destroys the marbodal sand if they move and start on a new ball. Because there is no culture in a new factory. It will probably take 95 years to develop such a culture again, says Claes Schoultz.

If it's been here for 95 years maybe it's time to try something new?

- No, we don't think so. Tidaholm has 12,000 inhabitants and closing the factory here is in comparison with Gothenburg like closing down seven torsland factories.

"Would mean three hours by car"

Can't you commute to Jönköping then?

- It is completely impossible because it would take three hours in a car every day to get to and from work.

We have applied for the management of Nobia's Marbodal factory in Tidaholm, but have not been able to reach anyone for a comment.