320 Jobs Removed in Mertzwiller
BDR Thermea to Cease production in France, Citing Market Downturn
MERTZWILLER, France – Heating product manufacturer BDR Thermea, known historically in the Alsace region as de Dietrich, announced Tuesday it will progressively cease production in France by mid-2027.The proclamation follows the Choose France summit and the 360 Grand Est regional economic event.
the reorganization project, impacting the mertzwiller factory, the French subsidiary’s headquarters, will affect 320 of the 837 employees in Alsace, according to the Force Ouvrière (FO) union. The total number of positions impacted in France is projected to be 370.
“Everyone expected bad news, but not of this magnitude,” said Fabrice Leininger, FO union secretary for the company’s CSE, describing the mood of employees at the Mertzwiller site.
The company plans to maintain research and development activities, the spare parts center, and several support functions in the region.
Heat Pump Market Decline Cited
The decision to cease production stems from a downturn in the heat pump market, according to BDR Thermea. The company had specialized the Alsatian factory in heat pumps.
“The heat pump market has collapsed in France and Europe in recent years,” the company stated in a press release. “This drastic drop was accompanied by an intensification of competition with the arrival of new players, especially Asian, as well as a wave of consolidation of European groups, pulling prices down.”
BDR Thermea reported “considerable losses” due to the meaningful share of heat pumps in its French operations.
The Force Ouvrière union has called for a rally Wednesday morning in front of the Mertzwiller site to protest the announced closure.
Production Transfer Possible
BDR Thermea is considering transferring the Alsatian factory’s activities to other group sites in Italy,the Netherlands,or Slovakia. The company also plans to sell two radiator production sites located in the Sarthe department and Germany.
The company says these measures are intended to “adapt BDR Thermea to a market in full change in order to ensure its independence and the sustainability of its activities over time.”
The Dutch-based group employs 7,000 people worldwide,including nearly 1,300 in France. The company reported a turnover of 343 million euros in France in 2024, a decrease of more than 30% compared to 2023.
# BDR Thermea to cease Production in France: A Q&A
## What is happening with BDR Thermea in France?
Heating product manufacturer BDR Thermea (formerly known as de Dietrich in the Alsace region) announced it will progressively cease production in France by mid-2027. This decision impacts the company’s operations, specifically the Mertzwiller factory and the French subsidiary’s headquarters. The announcement follows the Choose France summit and the 360 Grand Est regional economic event.
## Why is BDR Thermea ceasing production in France?
According to the company, the primary reason for ceasing production is the downturn in the heat pump market. the Alsatian factory had specialized in heat pumps, and the market decline in France and Europe has led to “considerable losses.” The situation is exacerbated by increased competition, particularly from Asian manufacturers, and consolidation within European groups, which have lowered prices.
## What is the impact on employees?
The reorganization project will affect 370 positions in total across France. Within the Alsace region, the Mertzwiller factory will be impacted, affecting 320 out of 837 employees.
## Where is the Mertzwiller factory located?
The Mertzwiller factory, the main site affected by the closure, is located in the Alsace region of France.
## Will any operations remain in the region?
Yes.BDR Thermea plans to maintain several activities in the region, including research and progress, the spare parts centre, and various support functions.
## What is the Force Ouvrière (FO) union’s response?
The Force Ouvrière (FO) union has expressed concern about the closure. The mood of employees at the Mertzwiller site is described as having expected bad news, but something far more severe. The union has called for a rally to protest the announced closure.
## What are BDR Thermea’s plans regarding production transfer?
BDR Thermea is considering transferring the Alsatian factory’s activities to other group sites located in Italy, the Netherlands, or Slovakia.
## Are there any other planned changes to the company’s operations?
Yes,the company also plans to sell two radiator production sites. these sites are located in the Sarthe department of France and in Germany.
## What is the stated goal of these measures?
BDR Thermea says these measures are intended to “adapt BDR Thermea to a market in full change in order to ensure its independence and the sustainability of its activities over time.”
## What is the financial performance of BDR Thermea in France?
The Dutch-based group, which employs 7,000 people worldwide (including nearly 1,300 in France), reported a turnover of 343 million euros in france in 2024. This represents a decrease of more than 30% compared to 2023.
## can we summarize the key aspects of the announcement?
Here’s a summary table containing key details from the announcement:
| Aspect | details |
|---|---|
| Action | Ceasing production in France by mid-2027 |
| Reasoning | Downturn in the heat pump market |
| Location Impacted | Mertzwiller factory (Alsace) and HQ |
| Employee Impact | 370 positions impacted in france; 320 in Alsace |
| Union Response | Force ouvrière (FO) union protest planned |
| Future Plans | Consideration to transfer production to other group sites (Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia) and sell radiator sites |
| Financial Performance | 343 million euros turnover in France in 2024 (down 30% from 2023) |