Given the slower development than expected of the green hydrogen market, Bekaert has announced its intention to halt production of electrolyzer components at the Bekintex site in Wetteren, Belgium, for the foreseeable future.

Bekaert informed the special works council of its intentions this morning and is organizing information sessions for all employees in the affected department. The implementation of this plan would have a direct impact on 24 jobs.

In the context of delays in the development of the green hydrogen market, with a low market demand in the short term and an upturn expected later than previously foreseen, Bekaert must adjust its activities in green hydrogen to the economic reality. Green hydrogen remains part of Bekaert’s growth strategy. To support future scalability, Bekaert will retain the facility and machinery in Wetteren, in line with its modular approach, that will allow the company to ramp up operations when the market picks up. The recently opened Innovation Hub for Hydrogen in Deerlijk remains operational and will continue to develop next generation components for green hydrogen.

The management gives priority to minimizing the personal impact for its employees and will investigate the option for employees to relocate to other Bekaert plants in Belgium. In line with the Renault Law, Bekaert will start the consultation phase with the social partners.