Bogdan Tudorache

The global situation triggered by the coronavirus pandemic delays the opening of CIECH Soda Romania, which has decided to enter into long-term conservation, the company announced.

”CIECH Soda Romania, the only remaining soda factory at the national level, initiated the voluntary layoffs program as early as the summer of 2019 for its nearly 600 employees, after six months of stand-by, during which all costs related to the salaries of the collective and the preservation of the company’s assets were covered, in an attempt to gain time for making the necessary decisions in order to implement a solution.

CIECH Soda Romania has contacted all local and central authorities to discuss possible short and long term solutions since August 2019, but no decision has been taken.

Unfortunately, the global situation triggered by the pandemic will only delay any possible solution and, as a result, CIECH Soda Romania will enter into long-term stand-by. However, the company will retain a small team of employees, responsible for maintaining the facilities during stand-by and continuing the production and delivery of silicates.

The voluntary dismissal process will end on April 1 and over 72% of the employees will benefit from it,” a statement reads. At the same time, the company has initiated plans to build its own cogeneration plant and expects to resume production in Râmnicu Vâlcea within 2-3 years.