One of Slovakia’s most renowned brands, Makyta, is ending production in Púchov, leaving over 100 employees without jobs, many of whom have worked at the company for decades. According to the company’s director, the decision is final, as Makyta can no longer compete with low-cost textiles from Asia.
Makyta, once a major Slovak employer known for high-quality clothing exported worldwide, is closing after more than 80 years of tradition. “This is for reasons that have been known for a long time. Europe is flooded with cheap goods from the Far East, personal expenses are growing very quickly, and energy prices are unpredictable,” explained Makyta CEO Marián Vidoman.
The announcement was made to employees in Púchov and Námestovo shortly before Christmas. “We reported mass layoffs—125 employees—a significant portion of whom will leave on February 28,” Vidoman added.
Many seamstresses, some of whom have been with Makyta since 1988, expressed sadness over the closure, describing sewing as both their livelihood and passion. "We’ll buy everything from China and remake it at home so it’s wearable,” lamented seamstress Mária.
Despite the closure, Vidoman assured employees they would receive severance pay. “Since most of our employees have been with us for more than 20 years, this is a huge financial amount. Thank God I have it ready. I will not refer to bankruptcies or insolvency,” he stated.
Operations in Púchov will cease on February 21, with the facilities then cleared out and repurposed for rental. The final products being sewn, destined for France, reflect Makyta’s enduring craftsmanship. Notably, the company once dressed France’s first lady.
This closure is part of a larger trend in the Trenčín region, as the Eterna shirt manufacturing company in Bánovce nad Bebravou is also ending production, with plans to lay off 300 workers next year.
Source: STVR
