Hartmann-Rico to close Chvalkovice plant at end of November 2027

The Czech subsidiary of Germany's Hartmann group will give up its plant in Chvalkovice at the end of November 2027, affecting 280 employees plus 8 people at the Sanicare sheltered workshop, which also closes. About half of production is to move to the main plant in Veverská Bítýška (around 900 staff) and the rest to external partners in Asia; the company cites cost pressure from non-EU suppliers and fixed-price tenders. It already ended production at Havlíčkův Brod, with about 200 staff, in March 2026; some of the workforce may transfer to Veverská Bítýška (ČTK/České noviny, 15 Oct 2026).