Stellantis to Cease Engine Production at Douvrin Plant on October 30

Stellantis has announced the impending closure of its Douvrin plant in Pas-de-Calais, with the final production of engines set to conclude on October 30, 2026. Established in 1969, this historic facility has manufactured over 40 million engines and is now transitioning in response to the automotive industry's shift towards electrification.

Engine Production to End on October 30

The Douvrin thermal engine plant will officially halt its operations at the end of October. This decision was communicated during an extraordinary social and economic committee meeting held by the management of the Valenciennes site, to which Douvrin is now associated.

Founded as Française de Mécanique, the plant emerged from a collaboration between Peugeot and Renault. Over its more than fifty years of operation, it has produced a wide array of engines for various French models.

Among the notable engines produced at Douvrin is the well-known V6 PRV (Peugeot Renault Volvo), which powered the DeLorean DMC-12, alongside engines for models like the Renault Twingo and Clio, Peugeot 104 and 205, as well as the Citroën C15.

In 2013, Renault sold its stake to PSA, leading to the plant focusing solely on PSA engine production. Recently, the facility was known for manufacturing a non-hybrid version of the EB gasoline engine, also referred to as PureTech.

Closure Announced Over a Year Ago

The announcement marks a significant change since the inauguration of the new PureTech assembly line in 2013, attended by Philippe Varin and then-Prefect of Pas-de-Calais, Denis Robin.

In 2025, Stellantis had already indicated plans for a gradual cessation of thermal engine production at Stellantis Douvrin. The automaker cited declining demand for the non-hybrid EB engine as the primary reason for this decision.

Over the past year, production of both diesel and gasoline engines has been systematically reduced, with staff being reassigned to other activities within the group.

Over 300 Employees Already Reassigned

Stellantis has initiated support measures for employees to mitigate the impact of the closure.

According to the company, 337 workers have either transitioned to new roles within the company, found external placements, or participated in a senior employee plan. Additionally, since the opening of the nearby ACC gigafactory, 340 employees have moved there.

Currently, fewer than 50 full-time employees remain to be reassigned, along with approximately 50 temporary workers. Support is also being arranged for partner companies and employment agencies.

Douvrin: A Symbol of Industrial Transition

For decades, the Douvrin plant has been a cornerstone of the industrial landscape in the Pas-de-Calais mining basin, employing thousands at its peak.

Its closure reflects the broader transformation within the automotive sector towards electrification. In the Hauts-de-France region, this shift is significantly supported by the nearby ACC gigafactory.

Stellantis is also adapting its industrial operations in France. While automotive production is set to cease in Poissy after 2028, the company plans to maintain industrial activities related to automotive parts manufacturing, circular economy initiatives, vehicle preparation, and 3D printing. As of now, Stellantis has not announced any additional factory closures in France.

Industry Insights

Stellantis, like many historical manufacturers, is adjusting to new market realities. With declining sales, a pivot towards electric powertrains, and a near-end to diesel production, maintaining these legacy sites has become increasingly challenging.

The company emphasizes internal mobility and reassignment efforts. However, the overall impact on employment in France will only become clear in the forthcoming annual reports, and the outlook remains uncertain.