Members of Germany’s Parliament called Nokia’s decision to close a handset manufacturing plant in Bochum a “disgrace,” as the company came under criticism for its planned layoffs of up 2,300 workers.
Members of Parliament also lamented the practice of giving companies state subsidies in order to encourage business development, with one Parliamentary member reportedly accusing Nokia of fraudulently taking advantage of the state program.
Nokia opened the plant in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in 1987, and announced plans earlier this week to transfer production to more affordable plants in Romania, Hungary and Finland. The German Parliament estimates Nokia received $1.29 billion from the German state and national government in the 20 years it has been open.
Nokia said the company would not discuss keeping the plant open and that it made the “difficult” decision after “careful consideration.”
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