Fonderie de Bretagne Faces Closure as Renault Withdraws Support

Union leaders and Breton officials urge President Macron to pressure Renault into maintaining production commitments to save 350 jobs.

Renault has refused to extend production orders for the Fonderie de Bretagne until 2028, jeopardizing the future of the factory in Caudan, which employs 350 workers.
The factory, built by Renault in the 1960s and still reliant on the automaker for 95% of its revenue, has been seeking diversification under new ownership by the German fund Callista since 2022.
A potential buyer, Private Assets, had committed to introducing 11,000 tons of new production annually but required Renault's continued orders to bridge the transition period.
Union leaders and regional officials criticized Renault for prioritizing overseas production in Turkey, Spain, and Portugal despite receiving significant state support, including €298 million in 2023 and a €4 billion state-guaranteed loan during the pandemic.
The French government, which holds a 15% stake in Renault, has been called upon to use its influence to ensure the automaker supports domestic manufacturing and prevents further industrial decline.