265 workers were previously placed on unpaid leave, but half of them can return to work on Tuesday, said Peter Kunstič, the current Acting President of the company. He added that the rest will be rehired as soon as the company can secure new orders. Part of their July salaries will also be paid.

The company's accounts were frozen after Polzela failed to pay 500,000 euros in outstanding taxes and social security contributions. The company said that part of that sum will be paid before the end of the week. Kunstič saved the state-owned company for the time being, but tomorrow Marko Klemenčič – who rescued the pesticide manufacturer Pinus from bankruptcy – will take over as CEO. Klemenčič will resume his old position.

The greatest challenge for the new CEO will be to draw up a new financial restructuring plan. Kunstič believes that only a recapitalization can save Polzela.

Miran Korošec, Radio Slovenija;
translated by D. V.