Last picture from working Polaroid factory?

[Marco B]

Hi all,

Since the Netherlands houses one of the last remaining three Polaroid factories, a recent article in a Dutch newspaper highlighted it's demise. Since I thought it might be interesting to others as well, I have attached probably one of the last pictures of the insight of the working Polaroid plant in Enschede. The photo is a scan from a newspaper article in the "NRC Handelsblad" and the photo was made by Dutch photographer Eric Brinkhorst.

A few highlights from the article (also interesting in terms of a possible continuation of production by other parties):

- 10 years ago, this factory employed 1250(!) people, today only 185.
- The average age of the workforce is 60, many of whom have worked there almost their entire life.
- The factory itself is almost 40 years old
- Production will stop at the 1st of july in Enschede, after which some 30 people will continue to work in a small distribution center until the last stock runs out (expected in some two years).
- A social plan has been developed to take care of the remaining people, many of whom will probably retire considering age I guesse...

Marco

My website

 

[Falkenberg]

Then all that is needed is a new factory in a part of eurpe where labor is less costly and a moving company for the equipment. Within a few years the production can be done by robots, to save even more on the cost of labor.

 

[HerrBremerhaven]

This was the same factory where the custom run of SX-70 Blend was produced. Considering that run is not sold out yet, it makes one wonder about the market for Instant integral films. Fuji is in the best position to address this market, and they don't need any of the equipment.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography