Brussels, Belgium – The iconic Audi factory in the Forest municipality of Brussels has officially shut its doors on Friday, February 28, marking the end of 76 years of car manufacturing history at the site.
The closure, which has been looming since Audi’s announcement last year, brings with it a wave of economic and industrial consequences, as well as deep emotional impact for the thousands of workers who once called the plant their workplace.
A Decision That Shocked Belgium
Audi initially signaled its intention to halt production of the Audi Q8 e-tron at the Brussels facility last summer.
Citing issues with overcapacity and the higher production costs associated with the Forest plant, the German automaker made the decision to relocate Q8 e-tron production to San José Chiapa, Mexico.
By late October, the company confirmed that production at the Brussels site would cease in February 2025, with the final decision to shut down coming months later.
The move sent shockwaves through Belgium, leading to an outpouring of anger and concern from trade unions and the local workforce.
Workers at the plant were locked out, and thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Brussels in solidarity with the factory’s employees.
The government and various stakeholders attempted to intervene, hoping to find a solution that could keep the plant operational. However, efforts to secure a buyer for the site ultimately proved fruitless.
After months of uncertainty, the factory officially closed on February 28, bringing an end to its long and storied legacy.
A Storied Legacy: From Studebaker to Audi
The history of the Forest plant dates back to 1948 when Pierre D’Ieteren laid the foundation stone for the factory. Initially built to produce American Studebaker cars, the first vehicle rolled off the assembly line on April 7, 1949.
The factory later transitioned to producing Volkswagen models, including the iconic Beetle, which was assembled in Belgium starting in 1954.
By the late 1970s, Volkswagen AG took over the plant and expanded its production capabilities. Over the years, the site saw multiple modernizations and expansions, allowing it to manufacture a range of Volkswagen and Seat models.
In 2004, the first Audi-branded vehicle, the A3, was assembled at the site, signifying a shift in the factory’s role within the Volkswagen Group.
In 2007, Audi officially took over the facility, renaming it ‘Audi Brussels N.V./S.A.’ and investing in infrastructure to focus on premium vehicle production.
The plant became a hub for innovation, with the launch of the Audi A1 in 2010 and later the Audi e-tron, the brand’s first fully electric SUV, in 2018.
Production of the Q8 e-tron started in December 2022, solidifying the factory’s reputation as a pioneer in electric vehicle manufacturing.
Mass Layoffs and Economic Impact
The factory’s closure has resulted in the loss of more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, dealing a significant blow to Belgium’s industrial workforce.
Negotiations between Audi management and trade unions over a joint redundancy plan were prolonged and tense.
It was only in January 2025 that an agreement was finally reached, setting the terms for severance packages and transition support for affected employees.
To mitigate the impact of mass layoffs, technology industry federation Agoria has stepped in with employment initiatives.
A special job day has been scheduled for April 3 in Brussels, in collaboration with employment agencies Actiris, VDAB, and Forem, to assist displaced workers in finding new job opportunities.
A survey conducted by Agoria identified 5,000 open vacancies across various sectors, with a strong demand for engineers, technical profiles, and logistics workers.
Brieuc Janssens de Varebeke, Manager of Agoria Brussels, expressed optimism about the workers’ prospects, noting that many Belgian companies are eager to hire skilled labor.
“We are confident that a majority of former Audi employees will find new opportunities, just as we saw after the closure of Van Hool,” he stated, referencing the bus manufacturer’s shutdown in 2023, where over 70% of affected employees were successfully placed in new jobs.
The Decline of Belgium’s Automotive Sector
Audi’s departure from Brussels represents another significant loss for Belgium’s once-thriving automotive sector. The country has witnessed a series of major car factory closures over the past few decades.
- In 1997, Renault shut down its Vilvoorde plant, eliminating over 3,000 jobs.
- Opel closed its Antwerp factory in 2010, affecting 2,500 employees.
- In 2014, Ford ceased operations at its Genk facility, leading to 4,300 job losses.
With Audi’s exit, Volvo Car in Ghent remains Belgium’s last major car manufacturer. The Swedish-Chinese carmaker employs over 7,000 people and is expanding its production of electric vehicles, including the EX30, which is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs.
Bart Steukers, CEO of Agoria, acknowledged the setback but emphasized Belgium’s continued relevance in automotive technology and innovation.
“Belgium remains a key player in automotive research and development, particularly in high-tech components and energy-efficient driving systems. Almost every car produced globally contains Belgian-made technology or parts,” he said.
The Future of the Forest Site
With Audi’s departure, the fate of the 54-hectare site in Forest remains uncertain. Discussions are already underway regarding potential redevelopment plans.
Federal Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) has suggested that the site could be repurposed for military production, a proposal that is under consideration.
Pierre Hermant of the Finance & Invest.brussels agency is exploring alternative options, drawing inspiration from the redevelopment of the former Ford Genk plant.
Following its closure in 2014, the Genk site was transformed into a hub for small businesses and various industries, diversifying the local economy and reducing reliance on a single employer.
Economist Ivan De Cloot echoed this sentiment, stating that such a transformation could be a “gift” for the region. “Rather than depending on one large company, the site could host 20 to 50 smaller businesses, creating a more resilient economic ecosystem,” he explained.
While the final decision on the site’s future remains undecided, experts predict that full redevelopment could take up to ten years.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, but New Beginnings Await
The closure of Audi’s Forest plant marks the end of an era for Belgium’s automotive industry. The site, which once symbolized the nation’s industrial prowess, now faces an uncertain future.
However, despite the challenges, there is optimism that new opportunities will arise—both for the workers displaced by the closure and for the broader Belgian economy.
As Belgium navigates this transition, it remains to be seen whether the country’s remaining automotive sector can withstand the shifting tides of global manufacturing.
For now, the final curtain has fallen on Audi Brussels, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, resilience, and a workforce that helped shape the future of car production for over seven decades.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
