Aldetu, a historic company with over 40 years of experience in the automotive parts sector, was facing an imminent shutdown. However, three of its executives have put forward an offer that would allow a portion of the activity and 14 jobs to be preserved. The insolvency administrator is now tasked with making a decision.
In October 2023, this company from the Arratia region found itself in a delicate financial situation and enlisted the services of Corkscrew S.L., a firm specializing in corporate rescue. According to Fernando Bermejillo, one of Corkscrew's managers, «it was a straightforward job, because Aldetu has good technology and highly qualified workers in solving technical problems, so we managed to redirect the situation by keeping all 47 existing employees without any salary adjustments».
Nevertheless, the automotive crisis of 2024 severely impacted Aldetu, leading it into bankruptcy proceedings and a temporary employment regulation file (ERTE) months later. By 2025, an offer arrived from Cikautxo, a company integrated into the Mondragon Corporation, which guaranteed the company's continuity but involved the dismissal of 28 workers. These employees refused and initiated a two-month strike.
“"Since we still had a major client, in addition to other orders, we began working with three of the executives to prepare a project that would emerge from Aldetu, with a portion of the workforce."
When operations resumed, «we had lost one of our two main clients», stated Paco Armiño, another Corkscrew manager. It was then announced that Aldetu would close its doors by the end of the year, though the decision was postponed until March. Armiño added, «it has been very technical; we studied which parts are in demand, what machines are needed to manufacture them, and which workers can operate them, and this proposal with 14 employees was put forward. We also held meetings with the two main clients to try and regain their trust, and they gave us their support».
Although the resolution for the cessation of activity was officially notified this Wednesday, the new offer presented by the executives could alter the situation. The proposal is now in the hands of the insolvency administrator, who is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks.
“"They haven't told the works council anything, and they've only met with the employees who are going to stay. We prefer the company to continue, but under dignified conditions, especially for those of us who are leaving."
The current workforce of Aldetu has denounced the «lack of information» throughout the process. Jesús Beitia, one of the workers, stated that the works council has not been informed, and meetings have only been held with employees who are expected to remain. Workers have expressed their preference for the company's continuation, but «under dignified conditions, especially for those of us who are leaving».
