Swiss chocolate factory Barry closes in Intra

The Zurich-listed chocolate multinational Barry Callebaut announced in a letter to employees the closure of its plant in Intra, Piedmont. As part of the CHF 500 million investment plan announced a year ago, in fact, only the relaunch of the other two Italian factories, the one in Perugia and D'Orsogna, in the province of Chieti, is planned. 'Italy,' reads the letter, 'is and will continue to be one of our key markets in Europe, as it is an important country for our tradition in the chocolate market. However, following a careful analysis of our production structure, today we inform you of our intention to close our company in Intra. Given the limited future profitability and the logistical complexity of the site, we unfortunately see no other solution'.

The company, which employs over 13,000 people worldwide, says it is committed to supporting all workers affected by the closure, but the unions are already on the warpath. Fai-Cisl has called a state of agitation and proclaimed a four-hour strike at the end of each shift. The employees of the Piedmont plant affected by the closure are 115, including direct workers and temporary workers: 'It's a time bomb,' explains Andrea Guagliardo, of Fai Cisl Eastern Piedmont, 'the closure rained down from the sky without any kind of notice or warning. This morning at 9 a.m. we were told that the Intra plant will close by the first quarter of 2025. We will ask for a meeting with the mayor, the prefect, the region, and possibly the Ministry of Labour to open a crisis table'. Meanwhile, on Friday, 6 September, a procession will leave from the plant and reach Verbania's town hall.