For decades, Brussels has been a hub for car manufacturing.
Factories like Audi’s have provided steady work, supporting thousands of families and shaping the local economy. But that chapter is coming to an end.
Audi has announced the closure of its Brussels plant, with operations set to stop entirely by the end of February 2025, according to Boosted.
The factory, which employs around 3,000 people, has been struggling for years. Efforts to find a buyer fell through, forcing the company to make a difficult decision.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” said Gerd Walker, Audi’s head of production. He called the move painful but unavoidable.
The news has caused anxiety among workers, many of whom have spent decades at the factory. In November, Audi introduced a social plan to ease the transition.
The package includes severance payments, early retirement options, and bonuses tied to seniority. Employees with 17 years of service could receive up to approximately $185,000, depending on their position and salary.
However, negotiations between management and unions have been tense. Union leaders rejected the proposal, calling it inadequate.
Jan Baetens of the ACV Metea union criticized Audi for dismissing worker-driven alternatives, calling the process a breach of trust.
Frustrations boiled over into protests, some of which were described as violent. Despite the tension, Audi decided to present their offers directly to employees, bypassing union representatives.
Management hopes workers will see the value in the compensation packages.
The plant’s closure marks a significant loss for Belgium’s car industry. Once a cornerstone of the economy, the Brussels factory was one of the city’s largest employers.
Its shutdown leaves only one car plant in Belgium, operated by Chinese automaker Volvo.
