Forges de Tarbes seeks court-ordered restructuring to safeguard 155 mm shell production
The Europlasma-owned Forges de Tarbes has filed for judicial recovery with the Tarbes commercial court to preserve its 155 mm artillery shell-tube output.
Europlasma, the owner of the Forges de Tarbes, submitted a petition to the commercial court in Tarbes to open a judicial recovery process for the plant. This facility remains the only French producer of 155 mm artillery shell tubes, a component supplied to Ukraine. The company said the request follows an extraordinary meeting with the works council and is intended to maintain production and create conditions for a turnaround.
Around sixty employees currently work at the site, which is a surviving part of the former Tarbes arsenal. Europlasma highlighted severe financial difficulties, noting that its Fonderie de Bretagne has entered liquidation and its Valdunes metallurgical unit is looking for a new owner. A court ruling is expected in the coming days.
Why it matters
The plant’s survival is crucial for France’s ability to supply 155 mm artillery ammunition to Ukraine.
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