Forges de Tarbes enters judicial reorganization

Forges de Tarbes, France's last manufacturer of 155 mm shell bodies for Caesar cannons, has filed for judicial reorganization after entering a state of insolvency. The company, which employs approximately 60 people, is owned by the group Europlasma.

Despite previous promises from Europlasma in 2023 to modernize the facility and reach a production capacity of 15,000 shells per month by 2025, employees report that the planned investments never materialized. Europlasma has faced significant losses and cash flow tensions due to deficits in most of its activities. While the group expressed interest in selling its defense division to a French industrialist earlier this year, no deal has been finalized.

Local officials and union representatives have expressed concern over the site's future, noting that production of a current batch of 30,000 shells is expected to conclude by late November, leaving the company's next steps uncertain.