CL Grupo Industrial Submits Bid for Valls and Montblanc Plants

The Spanish group Cristian Lay aims to acquire DS Smith's factories to prevent the dismissal of 200 employees.

Generic image of an industrial production plant with metal structures.
IA

Generic image of an industrial production plant with metal structures.

The Spanish firm CL Grupo Industrial has officially submitted a purchase offer for the DS Smith plants in Valls and Montblanc, aiming to halt the planned closure by International Paper.

The Cristian Lay group met the deadline set for March 19th to formalize its interest in the facilities. This move is seen as the primary hope for the 200 workers currently facing redundancy under a proposed collective dismissal (ERE) by the American multinational.

"The ball is in International Paper's court; we are waiting for their response."

Albert Queralt · Valls Works Council President
Labor unions have expressed satisfaction with the bid but remain cautious regarding the final terms. A decisive meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, where employees will be briefed on the progress of the acquisition talks.
If the offer is rejected, further meetings on March 24th and 25th will focus on negotiating the terms of the layoffs. However, if accepted, it would secure the industrial future of the Alt Camp and Conca de Barberà regions.