Polish footwear sector in crisis
Several of Poland’s footwear manufacturers have announced job cuts and management changes as the sector undergoes a period of restructuring and consolidation. PPH Eldam, based in Rawa Mazowiecka (central Poland) is to implement a raft of measures to save its business, including a 40% reduction in the workforce, an overhaul of product lines, and legal action to pursue creditors. Marianno, a footwear manufacturer from Zduńska Wola was declared bankrupt at a regional court in Sieradz on 30 October 2001. The move had been forced on the company after it had failed to pay off debts.
Finally, Befado, the country’s biggest manufacturer of shoes and slippers, made several management changes effective from June 2001. The new managing director is now Andrzej Rasiński, and Bartłomiej Musialik has been appointed commerce and marketing Director. The changes in Befado’s management structure were blamed on difficult economic conditions.
