Medical supplies manufacturer Hartmann-Rico will cease production at its Chvalkovice plant, located in the Náchod region of the Czech Republic, in November of next year. The company cites rising costs and strong competition from Asian manufacturers as the reason for the decision. Production will be partially relocated to Veverská Bítýška, in the Brno region, with the remainder shifting to Asia. This closure follows the earlier shutdown of Hartmann-Rico’s facility in Havlíčkův Brod earlier this year. Consequently, Veverská Bítýška will become the company’s sole manufacturing location within the Czech Republic. Hundreds of jobs will be lost as a result of the Chvalkovice plant’s closure. The move highlights ongoing pressures within the European manufacturing sector.