At imaging company Agfa in Mortsel and Heultje (Westerlo) in Antwerp Province, an additional 145 jobs are now under threat. This is on top of the loss of 470 jobs, which was already agreed with the unions in February. Agfa is making drastic cuts in its traditional film activities, especially medical films, because demand for these products continues to decline sharply.
Agfa develops, manufactures and sells analogue and digital imaging systems, IT systems and products for hydrogen production.
In November 2024, Agfa's staff were already told that 530 jobs were at risk at that time. After negotiations with the trade unions, that number was eventually reduced to 470. A social agreement was reached in February this year.
But less than a year later, it appears that the cost-cutting plan will cost even more jobs at production sites in Mortsel and Heultje. ‘We are seeing an accelerated decline in the traditional film business,’ says spokesperson Viviane Dictus. 'This is also clear from our figures for the third quarter. In China in particular, an important export market for us, the digital transition is now happening so quickly that we are feeling the impact very strongly.'
‘That is why we now have to expand last year's plan, because additional savings are needed. This could affect up to 145 positions. We are now entering into consultations with the unions.’