Press items

Early 2010 Wärtsilä announced plans to reduce its manufacturing footprint and move part of production to China. To adjust to the fundamental changes in the market the majority of Wärtsilä propeller production and auxiliary engine production was planned to be moved to China, close to the main marine markets.

After announcing the production stop in Drunen, influencing approx 450 jobs, effort was done to supply the propulsion equipments still to be produced and delivered to the customer. 

During 2010 together with the unions and the works council Wärtsilä agreed on a Social Plan for those who had to leave the company. 

Same time it was decided Wärtsilä in the Netherlands would focus on a Technology & Services Centre, meaning R&D, New Developments and open Innovation as well as a wide range of Services operations, including internal and customer Training. 

With the sales of a part of the premises to the municipal of Heusden and the development of a new foundry – Gieterij Drunen – it was agreed the new Technology & Services Centre to stay in Heusden as well. 

Also the Metal Valley got a possible new partner. 

During 2011 the Wärtsilä plant in Drunen will get a huge change. Foundry and machine equipment will be dismounted; buildings demolished, but also new offices created and activities – now spread in the area – will come together. A new entrance fitting to the new traffic plans will be created. 

New housing for the Wärtsilä Technology & Services Centre, offering workspace for approx 350 FTE will be made available. 

Finally this will give a boost to the Metal Valley developments – open innovation and knowledge & facility sharing