Monday, 10th February 2025

Benetton Closes Osijek Plant After 25 Years

After a quarter-century of fabricating fashion in Osijek, Benetton pulls the plug, leaving 260 workers facing uncertain futures

In a move that has stunned the Croatian city of Osijek, Italian fashion giant Benetton has shut down its production plant, ending a 25-year legacy in the region. A sudden announcement in December left 260 workers jobless, with promises of severance based on years of service. While the company cited financial struggles, rising wages, and inflation as the reasons for closure, the true impact is deeply personal for many.

Former employees, some who had dedicated nearly their entire careers to the factory, were blindsided. “This place was like a second home,” one former worker shared, her voice heavy with disbelief.

Despite earlier promises in 2021 to create 300 new jobs, those hopes evaporated. Now, many in their 50s are left to grapple with an uncertain future, in an economy struggling to provide secure alternatives. As Benetton consolidates operations elsewhere, including a major site in Serbia, the fate of the Osijek workforce seems grim.

The closure marks the end of an era for Benetton in Croatia—an exit that leaves not only a void in the local economy but a deep scar in the lives of its former employees.

Revoz Set to Begin Production of Nissan’s Electric Pixo

Revoz, Renault’s Slovenian subsidiary, is preparing to launch the production of the revamped electric Twingo in 2026, but the...

Aleph Named TikTok’s Exclusive Sales Partner in Eastern & Baltic Markets

In a strategic move to further consolidate its presence in Central and Eastern Europe, TikTok has appointed Aleph as...

Volkswagen Leads Croatia’s Auto Market in January 2025

In January 2025, Volkswagen emerged as the leading brand in Croatia’s automotive sector, capturing a market share of 12.3%...

Croatia’s Industrial Shift Sees Fewer Jobs but Rising Productivity

Croatia’s industrial sector is grappling with unexpected challenges - while the number of jobs decreases, productivity continues to rise. According...

Slovenian Iskra Expands Footprint with New Factory in Bosnia and Logistics Hub in Serbia

Slovenian industrial giant Iskra is intensifying its regional footprint with a new manufacturing plant in Bosnia and a logistics...
spot_img

Connecting the Adria Region Decision Makers

The Region is more than a publication - it's where the region's elite converge for insights and opportunities