Duralex glassware to halt production for at least 15 days amid restructuring

The historic French glassware manufacturer Duralex is pausing its production lines for at least two weeks, a move the company says is necessary to protect its finances and reduce expenses during its ongoing judicial restructuring.

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The production lines will be cut for at least fifteen days, with the aim, the management specifies, of protecting cash flow, reducing costs, and getting through the judicial restructuring period while guaranteeing turnover.

The shutdown, which began in the latter half of June, means no glass will be produced from the company's furnace. The company cited a lack of packaging materials for planned production as another reason for the pause. However, the furnace will continue to operate at a reduced capacity, with molten glass being recirculated to maintain temperature and avoid costly shutdowns.

This forced break comes as Duralex, founded in 1945 and famed for its "unbreakable" glasses, navigates its fifth judicial restructuring in roughly twenty years. The company, which was taken over by its employees in a cooperative model in 2024, was placed under court protection on June 1 and faces a new hearing on July 2. The cooperative model saw about 60% of the 243 employees at its sole factory near Orléans invest in the company.

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During this production stop, the temperature of the furnace will not be lowered: it will run empty, in a closed circuit, thanks to molten material being reinjected.

Sources close to the situation expressed uncertainty about whether banks will continue to support the company, a crucial factor for its survival. The temporary halt is expected to help manage 1.4 million euros in delayed orders, according to management. Employees have been asked to take leave during this period.

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The question now is whether the banks will follow, which is far from assured at the moment.