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End of an era: Closure of the 500-year-old paper factory in Penig!
Paper factory in Penig closes after almost 500 years. 120 employees affected, social plan offers support and future prospects.
End of an era: Closure of the 500-year-old paper factory in Penig!
The traditional paper factory in Penig, which made history for almost 500 years, will close on July 1st. This marks the end of an era that dates back to 1537. 120 employees are affected, whose last working week begins on Monday. According to [freipresse.de](https://www.freipresse.de/mittelsachsen/rochlitz/schliessung-der-peniger-papierfabrik-socialplan-fuer-die-arbeiter-und-ein- kleine-hoffnungsschimmer-artikel13858556), a social plan promises support for the employees affected by the closure, while the Felix Schoeller company points to a glimmer of hope for the location.
The decision to close was announced at the company's request and is based on continued weak economic conditions and increasing competitive pressures. diesachsen.de reports that market conditions are unlikely to get any better. Felix Schoeller took over the Penig location in 1991 and is now moving production to other locations, in particular to Weißenborn, where around 700 employees are employed.
The oldest paper factory in Germany
The Peniger paper factory was not only a production facility, but also a part of Germany's history. Until it closed, the factory produced decorative paper for furniture and interior decoration. When asked what would happen next with the employment of employees, Felix Schoeller agreed to offer alternative opportunities in other plants. However, this means that many employees would have to commute or move to regions such as the Black Forest or the Allgäu.
In total, up to 210 jobs are affected at the Weißenborn location, where the company is aiming for a strategic realignment of the product portfolio. The focus is on core competencies and high-quality products for the global market. Photo papers remain a central part of the offering, as papierindustrie.de informs.
The future of the paper industry
In addition to the current challenges, the industry has its climate goals firmly in sight. According to a report on collective bargaining in the paper industry, Germany aims to become carbon neutral by 2045, which will require significant changes in the industry. A recently published climate study highlights various transformation paths that are important for the industry. It remains to be hoped that those responsible have a good hand and can take on both social and ecological responsibility.
In these turbulent times, when old traditions are ending, commitment to employees and the industry remains crucial in order to create new perspectives. The closure of the Peniger paper mill is not only a loss for the region, but also a sign of the ongoing challenges facing many industries.