As reported earlier, mattress factory Aquinos in Kesteren has been declared bankrupt. The company, which was acquired a few years ago by a Portuguese multinational, has 140 employees. Trustee Cees Klomp is investigating the causes of the bankruptcy, but is now focusing mainly on a possible sale and relaunch. Within six weeks, he wants to clarify the future of the employees, who are furious at the management of the Portuguese parent company.
© Aquinos
According to Klomp, speed is crucial to retain key employees, especially in the foaming process. Aquinos, formerly known as Recticel, produced polyurethane foam for mattresses and furniture. The factory had been struggling with financial problems for some time; salaries were paid late and holiday pay remained outstanding. Since May, production has been largely at a standstill.
The Portuguese parent company was working on restructuring plans for European sites, but these did not materialise. There was interest in the property and in continuing the production process, but a deal did not materialise. Klomp is now starting the bidding process; several parties have come forward.
Staff say they are furious that they were not informed of the plans and feel inadequately informed by the, they say, 'criminal' parent company. In addition, the financial situation and the position of other branches of the group are said to be worrying.
The trustee stresses that there are no indications of mismanagement, but acknowledges that the failure to make payments has caused a lot of unrest. Aquinos' debts run into millions and will be determined exactly soon.
Source: De Gelderlander
