The last manufacturer of aluminum wheels in France, Impériales Wheels, based in Diors (Indre), was declared in suspension of payments by the commercial court of Villefranche-sur-Saône (Rhône), sources from the court and the union learned on Friday , which confirm the information. from the New Republic.
The company (formerly Alvance Wheels), in difficulties for several years, was acquired on February 1, 2022 by the EDS company, 100% owned by Émile di Serio, president of the Saint-Jean Industries foundry group, with the aim Develop new wheel models using new technology. EDS has since invested in a new headquarters in Indre to install new production lines.
“About 7 million are missing to complete the first production line”
“Judicial recovery is the best thing that could happen, because it leaves the door open to buyers who would bring new money to finish this first line and open the other three planned,” estimated the CFE-CGC union member.
In 2022, the acquisition by EDS was welcomed by the Minister of Economy, Bruno Le Maire, and by the Delegate Minister of Industry, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, who announced state aid worth 41 million euros (including 11 million in direct subsidies), as well as an aid of five million from the Centre-Val de Loire region. In total, according to the Indre prefecture, more than 80% of the financing promised by the State has already been paid.
The prefecture regretted the “significant deviation” of EDS’ costs and business plan, adding that the State’s “main objective” remains “to do everything possible to achieve recovery solutions.” A new hearing is scheduled for April 18 at the Villefranche-sur-Saône commercial court.
Source: BFM TV
