De Wever leads task force to secure future of Ghent Volvo factory
A task force led by prime minister Bart De Wever has been set up to help safeguard the future of Volvo Car Gent, De Morgen reports on Tuesday, citing well-informed sources. Employing around 6,500 people, the plant is one of the largest industrial employers in Flanders and the last remaining car factory in Belgium.
The group has been quietly assessing the site’s long-term prospects since January. Following the closures of Renault Vilvoorde, Opel Antwerp, Ford Genk and Audi Vorst in Brussels, concerns have grown within trade unions that Volvo Car Gent could lose two of its three electric models to a new factory in Slovakia next year.
"There is no immediate danger to the Ghent factory," a source said. "But we do want to think ahead about important themes such as labour costs, the energy bill, and policy regarding electric cars."
The company confirmed ongoing political dialogue. "As a company, we are constantly in dialogue with political and other stakeholders regarding issues of importance to our industry," said spokesperson Barbara Blomme.
"There is no immediate danger to the Ghent factory"
"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."
Alongside De Wever, several deputy prime ministers and ministers are involved in the task force, as well as Flemish minister president Matthias Diependaele.
De Morgen reports that the group is due to meet Volvo Car Gent’s management on Wednesday, although no major decisions are expected. The factory’s future is also set to be discussed in China on the same day, during a visit by Foreign minister Maxime Prévot.
#FlandersNewsService | Prime minister Bart De Wever at Volvo Car Gent, 25 April 2025 © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
Related news
