Bharuch: The Birla Century plant at the Jhagadia GIDC estate has permanently ceased operations, with the employment of 1,400 workers ending under a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).

According to the company, ongoing financial challenges, exacerbated by global issues impacting the textile industry, led to this decision. Seventy-eight workers who declined the VRS offer were terminated. These employees staged a protest on Monday, alleging they were not informed about the closure. Meanwhile, it is learnt that 1,400 employees accepted VRS settlements totalling ₹60 crore.

Established in 2009 with a $180 million investment, the plant, a division of Century Textiles and Industries Ltd, specialised in premium textiles, including suiting, shirting, fine fabrics, and household linen.

Factory manager Deepak Bhatt explained that the company attempted to sustain operations with employee cooperation, but increasing losses due to factors like low sales, overstocking, and rising production costs made it unviable. The VRS scheme, launched in 2023, was extended until November 30, 2024, before the closure was finalized. DeshGujarat