Outokumpu is to close two sites in Germany necessary to secure its long-term competitiveness in a weak European market, the Finnish stainless steel maker said Nov. 7.
In Germany where it has operations in Dahlerbruck, Dillenburg and Krefeld, and service centers in Hockenheim and Sachsenheim, Outokumpu intends to commence negotiations with employee representatives in relation to the planned restructuring that includes the closure of the Hockenheim coil processing center and the transfer of precision strip operations to Dillenburg from Dahlerbruck, which will be closed.
Centralizing advanced materials production in the country under one roof in Dillenburg will reposition this site as the core value creator within Outokumpu’s Advanced Materials business alongside its mills in Sweden, according to Advanced Materials president at Outokumpu Thomas Anstots.
Following the restructuring, which will impact 200 people in Germany, the Dillenburg site will be able to offer the full spectrum of Outokumpu’s advanced materials products in a range of standard and specialty stainless steel grades.
from Dahlerbruck will seek opportunities inside and outside the group for affected employees in Dahlerbruck and Hockenheim and work with the employee representatives to agree on a social plan, according to Anstots.
The possible closures of Hockenheim and Dahlerbruck facilities should be completed by the end of March and December 2024, respectively.
Author: Katya Bouckley
