The industrial landscape of Llodio, Álava, is facing a significant shift with the announcement that Guardian Glass will close its flat glass manufacturing plant in the region by June 2025.
This decision, impacting 171 employees, marks the end of a long chapter for a factory deeply rooted in the town’s history, having begun operations in the 1930s as Villosa before being acquired by Guardian in 1985.
The official reason cited by Guardian management for the closure is the critical wear and damage to the plant’s furnace – the core technology for glass production. Specifically, the company highlights a recent, unforeseen failure in the furnace loading wall, rendering the facility unsafe and unreliable for continued operation. However, labor unions suggest a different interpretation, stating that the company deemed the cost of replacing the furnace, which is nearing the end of its 15-18 year lifespan, as unprofitable. This contention points to underlying concerns about workload and the economic viability of the Llodio plant.
Guardian Glass has stated its commitment to negotiating the closure with the affected workers and unions. A formal Employment Regulation File (ERE) will be initiated in March, setting in motion the final six months of operations at the Llodio facility.
The closure has triggered a swift response from regional authorities. Basque Minister of Industry, Mikel Jauregi, expressed his belief in the plant’s potential and has pledged to intensify dialogue with Guardian Glass, exploring options including potential new investors. The Basque Government also aims to assess the technical feasibility of furnace replacement, potentially paving the way for a future industrial project. The Provincial Council of Álava has voiced its disappointment, highlighting the region’s prior support for the company and its dedication to working with the Basque Government to identify a viable solution and a sustainable business model.
Guardian Glass, Llodio Plant
This closure at Guardian Glass is not an isolated event. It follows the shuttering of Autoglas (Glavista), a former subsidiary, which also operated in Llodio. The decline and eventual bankruptcy of Glavista, which impacted 240 jobs, underscores the challenging industrial environment in the region.
The loss of the Guardian Glass plant represents a significant economic and social blow to Llodio, marking the end of a crucial era for the local manufacturing sector. As the next few months unfold, it remains to be seen if efforts to find a new investor or establish an alternative industrial project will prove successful. The future of manufacturing in the Aiara Valley hinges on these upcoming discussions and their outcomes.
Source: Guardian Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan
