A group of Portuguese investors has submitted a proposal to acquire the Tupperware factory in Montalvo, Constância, aiming to save 200 jobs. The offer, presented to the North American company on December 26, remains unanswered. Meanwhile, the factory is set to close on Wednesday, leaving workers in limbo.
Despite the announced shutdown, employees have been asked to come to work "prepared," fueling speculation about potential developments. Only bottle production machines remain operational, with most workers reassigned to order fulfillment to meet contract obligations.
At a December 19 meeting, the factory director disclosed financial constraints preventing severance payments but mentioned efforts to sell equipment to cover the costs. A worker noted the factory has 36 injection machines, potentially valuable assets in any sale.
While uncertainty looms, the Mayor of Constância, Sérgio Oliveira, remains in contact with the Ministry of Economy and factory representatives, expressing hope for a resolution that preserves operations.
Complicating matters is a reorganization by creditors in the United States, dividing Tupperware into two entities. European operations are now managed by "New Tupperware," which has shuttered factories in Portugal and Belgium but may still be open to contracting production from Montalvo.
With political figures like João Oliveira of the PCP voicing support for the workers, the next few days are seen as critical for determining the factory's fate.
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