Vencorex

Vencorex is a chemical company located in Pont-de-Claix, Isère, France. The company's recent financial struggles have made it newsworthy. In September 2024, Vencorex faced bankruptcy, leading to employee protests. A project, Exalia, aimed at reviving part of Vencorex's activities, specifically the production of soda, chlorine, and hydrochloric acid, was rejected by the Lyon economic court in March 2026. This rejection was met with disappointment from local stakeholders and the Minister of Industry, who had previously supported the project. The CGT union is advocating for worker participation in company decision-making, particularly during financial difficulties, and has highlighted Vencorex as a symbol of the decline of French industry. Vencorex's situation reflects broader concerns about job losses and deindustrialization in France.