Ploiești and Sebeș start demolition of historic industrial factories in Romania

The former Dero detergent plant in Ploiești, a landmark of the city’s industrial heritage, is being demolished after nearly six decades of operation. Unilever halted powder‑detergent production at the site due to falling demand and high costs, keeping the Dero brand but moving production elsewhere. The area will be re‑configured for food‑product manufacturing, including Knorr and other Unilever brands.

In the town of Sebeș, Alba County, authorities plan to raze 13 dilapidated industrial structures that occupy more than 54,000 m². The demolition project, budgeted at 1.21 million lei, is expected to last up to 12 months and will clear the land for future development. Environmental assessments warn of dust, noise and traffic impacts, and the work is being overseen by the local public heritage administration with technical support from Arenco Group SRL.