Tramagal, Portugal, April 16, 2026 (Lusa) - Mitsubishi Fuso will suspend production at its Tramagal factory, in the Santarem district, in July and offer workers voluntary redundancy packages, company and union sources told Lusa.
The Union of Workers of Manufacturing Industries, Energy and Environmental Activities of the Centre-South and Autonomous Regions (SITE-CSRA) told Lusa that the factory would stop in July, followed by the usual August holiday closure.
Japan-based Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) confirmed on Thursday that "no production is planned for July 2026."
The company is adjusting operational planning "in line with the transition of the European ordering and distribution model."
"Officially, we will have a 'lay-off' (a state-supported temporary reduction of work contracts) throughout July," union leader and employee Dário Lima told journalists, adding that the company expects to reach exit agreements with 40 permanent staff and all temporary workers by the end of that period.
MFTBC confirmed that it would adapt its human resources structure from July, "in line with the adjustment of production plans for the coming quarters".
The company offered "a voluntary programme to workers who express interest" but did not disclose the number of expected departures.
The union said the company would perform equipment upgrades and health and safety improvements during the shutdown.
The factory employs about 400 permanent staff, though the union estimates the total workforce at 500, including temporary contracts.
During the stoppage, affected workers will receive more than the legal minimum wage but less than their full salary, according to the union.
The Tramagal plant is currently restructuring its vehicle range, which impacts production.
The union said the unit would stop manufacturing diesel Canter models up to 3.5 tonnes for the European market, while continuing to produce larger vehicles and the electric eCanter.
The company said it was reviewing its European light vehicle portfolio to meet zero-emission targets, regulatory requirements, and customer needs, though it declined to comment on the future of specific models.
The union linked these changes to European environmental standards, specifically the future Euro 7 regulations.
The company said the factory was monitoring European regulations and assessing industrial adaptations, adding that the transition did not currently imply further structural production cuts.
The union acknowledged concern about the plant's future following the integration of Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino Motors into ARCHION, a new holding company created by Daimler Truck and Toyota.
"There is some concern because the lack of information and definitions regarding the future creates uncertainty," Lima said.
The multinational told Lusa the Tramagal unit "continues to operate as part of the current international industrial network." It said it expects no further changes beyond the adjustments already announced.
MYF/LYT // ADB.
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