The Japanese group Fuji Seal is considering closing its only French factory producing heat-shrink sleeves and other labels, located in Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert, in the Haute-Saône department. The 50 employees are affected by this plan, which could result in the closure of the facility on March 31, 2027, according to L'Est Républicain .
In its latest financial statement, Fuji Seal International confirmed that it has begun consultations with labor unions and employee representatives. The Japanese manufacturer, which operates five other plants in Europe, stated that the final decision will be made following the conclusion of this process, in accordance with French regulations.
In its press release, Fuji Seal International states that it has reviewed market conditions, its subsidiary?s financial results, and its growth prospects. The parent company also explains that it is continuing to reorganize its European operations in order to improve its competitiveness and return on invested capital. According to the regional business media, plans to modernize the plant with a ten-color gravure press and efforts to find a buyer were reportedly considered but did not come to fruition. Decision-maker .
In the newspaper L'Est Républicain , management justifies the plan by citing changing customer needs, as customers now prefer shorter production runs, faster time-to-market, and greater flexibility. The facilities at the French plant are reportedly no longer suited to these requirements.
However, this proposed closure comes on the heels of an improvement in Fuji Seal France?s financial results. According to its published annual financial statements, the printing company reported revenue of 19.3 million euros in 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year.
After four consecutive years of losses, from 2021 to 2024, the subsidiary returned to profitability, posting a net income of 357,392 euros, compared with a loss of 430,437 euros in 2024. However, its equity remained negative at the end of fiscal year 2025, at 177,142 euros.
Fuji Seal France, founded in 1955, was acquired by Fuji Seal in 2002. In December 2011, a previous restructuring plan had put 57 of the plant?s 107 jobs at risk. More than 10 million euros were subsequently invested in the production facilities.
