The aluminum factory Aldel in Delfzijl has received a suspension of payment from the court in Groningen. In the past few weeks, the company has tried unsuccessfully to solve the payment problems with the help of external financiers. The factory hadn’t had its own aluminum production for some time because of high energy prices, which left 120 people on the streets.

By importing and processing aluminum, part of the workforce was able to continue working. Until the company stopped production completely in September and the other 200 employees were also laid off.

Aldel (formerly Damco) had hoped the closure was temporary. A number of employees stayed to keep the factory in good working order, hoping to get it back up and running later.

Management still has hope

Management continues to hope that final insolvency can be averted. A court-appointed insolvency administrator will examine whether candidates can be found to take over the factory in Delfzijl after the payment has been suspended.

Finance director Eric Wildschut expressed his disappointment at the lack of financial support from the government for the energy-intensive industry in the Netherlands. According to its own statements, the company has regularly raised the alarm with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection in vain.