Given the dire situation in the Spanish flexible foams market, which continues to suffer the effects of the economic downturn, the local subsidiary of PU processing specialist Recticel (Brussels / Belgium; www.recticel.com) has announced several restructuring measures.

Since Recticel Spain lost 20% of volumes for its Comfort Applications segment between 2007 and 2010, the company will close its Comfort converting production activity in its Santa Perpetua de Mogoda plant near Barcelona. In addition, the plant in Legutiano will cease all operations, while the one in Valencia will cease its Transfoam activities. The closures take place against the backdrop of a market where installed capacity exceeds market needs by 40%, Recticel says.

As a result of the closures, Recticel Spain will make redundant 90 of its 242 employees engaged in Flexible Foams’ activities in Spain. The company added that it would communicate further details with the release of its 2010 financial results, scheduled for 4 March.