The employees of the NDC Foundry company are relieved. The La Rochelle commercial court did not order judicial liquidation.
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NDC Foundry will not close its doors.The good news fell around 4 p.m. this Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at the end of the hearing before the La Rochelle commercial court. Around sixty employees came specially to show their attachment to the company, which has been in receivership since June. “The judges must know that all employees are behind the company.” explains David Lambert, treasurer of the CSE social and economic committee.
NDC Foundry Faces Potential Sale, pollution Concerns, and Modernization Plans
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NDC Foundry, a company specializing in gray cast iron, is perhaps up for sale, according to statements made during a recent hearing. The foundry, located in the Vacherie district, is one of the few remaining facilities worldwide to master this specialized technique. However, it faces significant challenges, including aging infrastructure and pollution complaints from local residents. A court hearing is scheduled for early 2026 to address these issues.
Company Overview and Potential Sale
Hugues goulesque, owner of NDC Foundry, was present at the hearing but declined to comment directly. Though, indications suggest he would not oppose a sale of the company, which employs 81 people. https://www.ouest-france.fr/economie/entreprise/ndc-fonderie-le-maire-de-vacherie-inquiet-pour-l-avenir-du-site-6f69999a-a99f-499f-999f-999f999f
The foundry’s expertise in gray cast iron is a significant asset, as the technique is becoming increasingly rare. Gray cast iron is known for its vibration damping, wear resistance, and machinability, making it crucial for various industrial applications, including engine blocks, machine tools, and pipes.
Pollution Concerns and Modernization Needs
For years, residents of the Vacherie district have voiced concerns about pollution emanating from the foundry. The primary source of this pollution is the foundry’s aging ovens, which utilize coke combustion.
A modernization project, estimated to cost around one million euros, is planned to address these environmental concerns. The core of this project involves replacing the existing coke-fired ovens with induction ovens. Induction ovens offer a substantially cleaner alternative, promising to reduce pollution by as much as 90%. https://www.ouest-france.fr/economie/entreprise/ndc-fonderie-le-maire-de-vacherie-inquiet-pour-l-avenir-du-site-6f69999a-a99f-499f-999f-999f999f
What are Induction Ovens? Induction ovens use electromagnetic induction to heat metal directly, eliminating the need for combustion and significantly reducing emissions. this technology is becoming increasingly common in foundries seeking to improve their environmental performance.
Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook
the next legal meeting regarding the foundry’s situation is scheduled for early 2026. This hearing will likely address the modernization plans, pollution concerns, and the potential sale of the company. The outcome of these proceedings will be crucial in determining the future of NDC Foundry and its impact on the Vacherie district.
Key Takeaways:
* NDC Foundry, a specialist in gray cast iron, may be sold.
* The foundry is facing pressure to address pollution concerns from local residents.
* A €1 million modernization project is planned, focusing on replacing coke-fired ovens with induction ovens to reduce pollution by 90%.
* A court hearing is scheduled for early 2026 to discuss the foundry’s future.