Historic Navarra Bus Manufacturer Sunsundegui Files for Voluntary Bankruptcy Amid Job Concerns
Sunsundegui, a historic bus manufacturer located in Alsasua, Navarra, is facing significant financial challenges and has announced its decision to file for voluntary bankruptcy without liquidation. This announcement came during the Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting held on Tuesday, and the formal request will be made in court on Wednesday. The company employs over 300 workers and is actively seeking an industrial investor to ensure continuity in its operations.
The move to file for voluntary bankruptcy follows two months of negotiations with creditors. Throughout this period, Sunsundegui's Board of Directors and management team have been diligently searching for a solid investment offer, but unfortunately, no concrete proposals have materialized to date. Sunsundegui emphasized in a statement that efforts will continue to find a strategic partner with the goal of maintaining as many jobs as possible.
Expressing gratitude, the company acknowledged the support received from Sodena, the public investment society of the Navarra Government, which has assisted in identifying and attracting potential investor partners to back Sunsundegui's project.
A recent study conducted by consulting firm KPMG indicated that Sunsundegui suffers from an oversizing issue within its workforce, which currently consists of over 300 employees. In late 2023, the company faced an increased demand due to a Volvo order, prompting it to hire an additional 150 employees for the production of 500 vehicles valued at 80 million euros. However, the ongoing financial strain has hindered the firm's ability to maintain liquidity despite securing these orders.
Mikel Irujo, the Navarra Minister of Industry and Digital Ecological Transition, acknowledged the delicate financial situation the company is undergoing, stating that there is an urgent need to find a viable solution to sustain the business and its workforce.
Related Sources: