H&M Logistics, the logistics department of the Swedish fashion retailer H&M, will permanently close its distribution center in Ghlin, Hainaut, in the autumn of 2026. This was confirmed to Belga by trade unionist Philippe Dumortier (FGTB) after a consultation with management. The closure will result in the loss of approximately 440 jobs.
The management had already announced on March 5 that the site might close. According to the joint trade union front FGTB-SETCA-CNE-CSC Transcom, various options were explored, including cooperation with the branches in Spain and Italy and the rental of part of the building, but none of these options proved feasible.
According to Dumortier, the higher wage costs in Belgium mainly play a role in the decision: “The average monthly salary in Belgium is approximately 1,400 euros higher than in Spain or Italy.” A new meeting between management and unions is planned for May 18. Phase 1 of the Renault procedure will then be completed and negotiations on a social plan for the affected employees will start.
