The marble industry in Almería is the latest sector to be suffering from economic woes and is asking the authorities for financial aid to ensure the continuation of the industry.
Small and medium-sized businesses have been suffering as a result of the financial and real estate crises, with 900 jobs being lost in the past ten months. These companies, hampered by funding problems, have little room to manoeuvre when it comes to restructuring in order to become more competitive, or even to remain competitive.
Almería is home to 260 marble companies, directly employing around 5,000 and indirectly employing another 25,000. It is an industry which, last year, generated €700 million.