Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Chinese multinational SEMCORP is about to begin test production at its new facility in Debrecen. Recruitment is ongoing; as of mid-June, the plant has 445 employees. The workforce will increase to 800 within a couple of months, according to the plan. SEMCORP is the world’s largest manufacturer of battery separator film. The Debrecen plant will produce separator film for lithium-ion batteries.
The aim of the first phase of test production is to assess whether air pollution remains within the limits stipulated in the environmental use permit. Only after six months of air quality testing can the plant proceed to the second phase: technological test production. SEMCORP operates 10 production sites in China and is set to launch two overseas plants, one of which is the Debrecen site. Management remains optimistic regarding the future trajectory of demand for LI-ion batteries, as well as continued access to the US market, despite the ongoing tariff war. If their expectations are realised, a second production unit of a similar size will be established in Debrecen, according to the plan.
By using new technological solutions, the Debrecen site will operate using much less water than the older SEMCORP facilities in China.
The investment cost was €184 million, one-fifth of which was financed by a subsidy from the Hungarian government.
Eurofound (2025), SEMCORP Hungary, Business expansion in Hungary, factsheet number 202981, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/202981.
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