Dupont also produces Tyvek® in its Contern production site, a material that was in great demand during the crisis as it was used in medical protective clothing. Photo: Shutterstock.

Dupont also produces Tyvek® in its Contern production site, a material that was in great demand during the crisis as it was used in medical protective clothing.  Photo: Shutterstock.

Chemical producer DuPont is looking to sell two production sites in Luxembourg in an unexpected turn of events for trade union LCGB.

The two sites--Hytrel thermoplastic elastomers and the DuPont Teijin Films joint venture--are both located in Contern and would be part of the divestiture planned by DuPont. This sale concerns 350 employees according to trade union LCGB. While Dupont says 340 people work at the two sites.

“The goal of the divestiture process is to identify a buyer that will allow this business portfolio to realise its full potential and to further grow its leadership position in the materials space,” said Dupont in a statement.

The LCGB expressed its surprise at DuPont’s announcement in a press release. For the union, the top priority is safeguarding the existing accords and establishing an industrial plan with the new buyer of the production sites. The trade union has requested an urgent meeting with DuPont to discuss the company’s recent decision as well as the details of the future reorganisation and its possible consequences.

A new owner can often mean that workers’ jobs are at risk and that is what worries the LCGB. According to Dupont this divestiture should not result in lay-offs.

Dupont also produces Tyvek® in its Contern production site, a material that was in great demand during the crisis as it was used in medical protective clothing. The company employs 1160 people in Luxembourg.

Updated on 19 November at 16:20.