Condat Paper Mill in Dordogne Set for Sale by End of 2025 Amid Job Losses and Industrial Criticism

The Condat paper mill in Lardin-Saint-Lazare, Dordogne, employing 202 workers, is officially up for sale, according to a recent announcement by new plant president Dominique Bernard. Owned by the Spanish Lecta group, the sale mandate comes amid union and local backlash over industrial strategy decisions. Lecta’s shift from coated paper production to glassine in 2023 led to the loss of nearly 180 jobs, a move criticized by unions as a strategic misstep given rising demand for coated paper in the printing industry. The local council has engaged consultancies to explore alternative takeovers. Bernard, acting as Chief Restructuring Officer, aims to find a buyer by December 31, 2025, with five to ten potential buyers already interested. However, if no sale is completed, there is a real risk of site closure in early 2026, with employee compensation only guaranteed through the end of 2025. This reflects deep uncertainty over the future of the last French manufacturer of double-sided coated paper.