Closure of an industrial site
Context & Objectives
A leading American group in the high-tech advanced materials market was forced to close its industrial site in France. All the necessary procedures were completed, including informing/consulting with employee representative bodies, with a team consisting of the site director and an interim HR director. The French site was subject to industrial action but remained in operation to fulfill the order book. A few months before the final closure, the Site Director decided to step down.
The Group then decided to hire a transitional Site Director to continue the program of gradually reducing activity while fulfilling orders until the site is completely shut down. The Site Director will then be responsible for overseeing the decommissioning, restoration, and securing of the site as needed (including decontamination).
Mission
The purpose of the assignment is to provide a Site General Manager whose main missions will include
- To support operations to ensure that the site operates to the required safety standards (liaison with CHSCT and Labor Inspector);
- Direct and control the closure of the site respecting timing and costs,
Principally:
a. Preparation of employees' letters of dismissal and delivery of administrative support to them for the next phases of their job search;
b. Management of the decommissioning of equipment and environmental clean-up;
c. Handling all aspects of the French Administration (DREAL, DIRECCTE (now DREETS), Prefet, Inspecteur du Travail);
d. Liaison with the IRP/Unions over HSE and other project matters.
- Management of retained closure team/staff to ensure that they are appropriately motivated to carry out their responsibilities to the required standards;
- Oversee all aspects of site decommissioning, equipment transfers, and clean-up;
- Preservation of all necessary legal, technical, HR, and accountancy records.
Results
Over an 18-month period, the interim manager fully oversees the process in accordance with the schedule, social and commercial commitments, and costs.
After the cessation of activity, he leads the decommissioning, dismantling of facilities, and decontamination or restoration of the site phases with a very small technical team, then alone and on a part-time basis, in conjunction with all external stakeholders.
