“I feel helpless, everything is decided in Paris,” worries the mayor of Hagondange

A year after its takeover by a British investment fund, Novasco (ex-ascometal) is again threatened with receivership, even pure and simple liquidation.

“Since June, I have not heard names of potential buyers”,, “I feel helpless (…) Everything is decided in Paris”worries Wednesday July 23 on Here Lorraine (ex France Bleu) The mayor (DVD) of Hagondange (Moselle), Valérie Romilly, faced with the possible closure of the town’s Novasco factory, which employs 480 people, just saved a year ago.

The elected official denounces the lack of communication between the State, the Government, and the local elected officials. The NOVASCO group, a new name for Ascometal steelmaker after its takeover in July 2024 by the Graybull Capital Investment Fund, is the subject of a conciliation procedure which could lead to a recovery or a liquidation.

A videoconferencing must take place between the elected and “people from the ministry” Friday, “I hope it will be maintained”Hope the mayor of Hagondange, even if she does not have an illusion: “I have the impression that everything starts at Vau-l’Eau. We let our steelfare leave, we let go all a glazing know-how. I no longer believe it”she says. Time is running out for the Novasco factory, because the conciliation procedure ends on Friday.

Last year, “We had potential buyers, including an Italian (Venete). We were convinced that it was the best possible buyer”recalls Valérie Romilly. But ultimately, “It was Graybull who was chosen, an English investment fund. Despite everything, we were satisfied that there is a recovery”. The state had also lent money to help the historic business. “We told ourselves that Graybull was going to invest and would come to resell in a few years”continues the mayor.

But a year later, “This is not what happened according to the unions”regrets the elected. Graybull disengaged and has not invested the promised sums. “What worries us is a liquidation”Redoute Valérie Romilly. On Tuesday, employees therefore decided to set up a filtering dam at the entrance to the factory. The movement is likely to rise in power in the coming days in the face of the risk of closing.

The Ministry of Industry, with the support of Bercy, is looking for a buyer, but no name has come out at this time. Valérie Romilly denounces the double discourse of the government which speaks of “Reindustrialisation” But don’t put them “necessary means”. “Many jobs are at stake. This is all that remains, the factory, everyone knows it. We have always lived with it. My grandparents worked there, everyone worked in this factory. To see her disappear, it would actually be dramatic, continues the chosen one. It is the last steel that we have left.”