A task force led by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist) has been set up to help safeguard the future of Volvo Car Gent. With around 6,500 people working there, the Ghent plant is one of the largest industrial employers in Flanders as well as being the last remaining car plant in Belgium.
In addition to Mr De Wever several other and ministers are involved, as well as the Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (nationalist).
A source told the daily ‘De Morgen’ that "There is no immediate danger to the Ghent factory. But we do want to think ahead about important themes such as labour costs, the energy bill and policy regarding electric cars."
The company confirms that there is ongoing political dialogue. "As a company, we are constantly in dialogue with political and other stakeholders regarding issues of importance to our industry," said Volvo Car Ghent’s spokeswoman Barbara Blomme told the VRT. "We appreciate the involvement and support of the federal and regional governments and are working constructively together with a view to the further sustainable development of the sector."
‘De Morgen’ reports that the task force is due to meet Volvo Car Ghent’s management on Wednesday, although no major decisions are expected.