Dow closes chemical plants in Saxony: 550 jobs in danger!

Dow closes chemical plants in Saxony: 550 jobs in danger!

In the shadow of the chemical industry in Germany, there are current developments that are of great importance for many companies and employees in the region. The US chemical group Dow has announced that it will close part of his works in the East German cities of Schkopau and Böhlen by 2027. Around 550 jobs will be affected, which is a bitter message for the employees and the entire industry. According to mdr , the reason for this decision is the steadily increasing energy costs, harsh competition and a declining demand in key industries.

The affected systems include the chlorine alkaline and vinyl systems in Schkopau and the Steamcracker in Böhlen, which are considered energy and costly. These systems are also at the beginning of the chemical value chain, which is why their closure could have far -reaching consequences. Dow operates a total of 13 locations in Germany with around 3,400 employees, and now the employees at the affected locations have to live with this uncertain future.

political reactions and economic framework conditions

The decision of Dow has caused concern and displeasure in politics. The district administrator of the Saalekreis, Hartmut Handschak, expressed his regret about the closings, but also sees the economic necessities. Saxony-Anhalt Minister of Economics Sven Schulze has already announced that it would form a working group to secure the chemical locations and jobs. Schulze also demands relief for the chemical industry in terms of high energy costs. This shows that there is growing awareness of the challenges in the political circles.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry also expressed concern about the consequences of the closures for the chemical locations and also the unions, especially the IGBCE, are concerned and want to fight for jobs. In the meantime, Saxony's Economic Minister Dirk Panter emphasizes that he wants to receive the Böhlen location through new investments.

General situation of the chemical industry

All of these developments come at a time when the chemical industry is already fighting with considerable challenges. According to association office , the industry was affected by a decline in production of 1.1 percent from January 2025 compared to the previous year. This is primarily related to high energy prices, strict bureaucracy and stagnating sales. However, the hope of revitalization of the domestic business gives the industry a slight update.

The future of the chemical industry ultimately depends heavily on political decisions and international framework conditions. The situation is tense, and it remains to be hoped that both politics and companies have a good hand to set the course for a positive development. After all, the chemical industry is a central part of German industry and the labor market, with its function as a supplier for many other sectors.