Dow closes works in Saxony-Anhalt: 600 jobs in danger!

Dow closes works in Saxony-Anhalt: 600 jobs in danger!

Schkopau, Sachsen-Anhalt, Deutschland - The US chemical group Dow has announced that it is to close parts of his works in Schkopau (Saxony-Anhalt) and Böhlen (Saxony) by the end of 2027. This drastic decision affects around 600 jobs, around 100 of which are omitted directly at the Schkopau location. The general works council fears that the closures will have serious effects on the region. In particular, the chlorine alkaline and vinyl systems in Schkopau and the chemical basic material productions in Böhlen are on the prank list. The step is to be understood as a response to high energy costs, the tense competition and a decreasing demand in key industries, as MDI reports.

The works councils of both locations have already become active and have composed with members of the Ministries and Chemical Associations. The aim is to develop concepts for the further use of the locations without Dow. "We have to do everything we can to secure existing jobs and create new ones," emphasizes Dieter Macke, the chairman of the works council. He also calls for a partner for sustainable productions, such as hydrogen and hydrochlorynthesis, to counteract the closure.

economic framework and political reactions

politics is concerned about developments. Saxony-Anhalt Minister of Economic Affairs Sven Schulze (CDU) announced that a working group will be launched to secure the chemical locations in the region. He makes it clear that the framework conditions must be adjusted to increase competitiveness. Schulze also demands relief from the chemical industry from the high energy costs, which are one of the main reasons for the closures. The Tagesschau emphasizes that the Böhlen location should be received with new investments.

District Administrator Hartmut Handschak regretted the decision of Dow, but understands the economic background. The IHK Halle-Dessau also fears considerable consequences for the chemical locations in Central Germany and indicates the critical energy policy of the federal government, which is seen as a member of the company for the closures. "We will fight for every workplace," announces the IGBCE union.

The chemical industry in change

Already now it turns out that the chemical industry is playing a key role as an innovation engine. In Germany, the industry is considered the largest in Europe and the third largest worldwide. In 2023, Germany achieved a record value of over 257 billion euros export value for chemical-pharmaceutical products, which underlines the importance of the industry. [Statista] (https://de.statista.com/themen/1092/chemi industrie/) emphasizes that innovative approaches such as green hydrogen and chemical recycling are urgently needed to overcome the challenges of the future.

The need to reduce CO2 emissions and promote the trend towards the circular economy is becoming increasingly clear given the current developments. Companies have to find innovative ways to assert themselves on the global market - without a question a big challenge, but also an opportunity to rely on sustainable technologies and to open up new markets.