French tableware glass manufacturer Arc France has been placed in administration.
The Arques, northern France based company had a request to be placed into judicial administration approved by the Lille Métropole Commercial Court on Wednesday.
It has raised fears that up to 500 jobs could be lost at the group's headquarters and manufacturing site in Arques, Pas-de-Calais department, France, where 3700 people are employed.
The insolvency procedure officially aims to provide a legal framework allowing the company to continue its operations while undertaking a profound restructuring.
The Pas-de-Calais state government said: "The receivership proceedings aim to ensure the continuation of operations and the examination of takeover bids likely to guarantee the site's industrial continuity, within a timeframe set by the commercial court.
"The State will pay particular attention to all offers submitted, especially with regard to their industrial soundness and their impact on employment.
"This situation justifies a full mobilisation of all stakeholders in the region, each within their area of expertise, to ensure the long-term industrial future of Arc France."
According to management, court-ordered administration is now the only legal option for adapting the industrial facilities to a profoundly disrupted market. Consumption of tableware is declining, purchasing power is eroding and international competition is putting constant pressure on prices, hitting a group already weakened by narrow margins.
An extraordinary works council meeting was held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, to inform employee representatives.
Founded in 1825, Arc France manufactures glassware, plates, and tableware under iconic brands, while also producing entry-level items for major international clients such as Ikea.
