Essen, Germany. Evonik will implement further structural and cost-cutting measures in the coming years to drive forward the company’s transformation.
"The global political situation remains uncertain, and economic growth is persistently weak. At the same time, international competition is becoming increasingly fierce," says Chief Executive Officer Christian Kullmann. "We must become stronger in this environment. Our fate is in our own hands, and we are determined to seize our opportunities."
The measures agreed upon by the Executive Board and employee representatives affect all business and administrative units worldwide. A total of 3,200 jobs will be eliminated, including 2,150 positions in Germany. This measure will run from 2027 to the end of 2029. Evonik sees considerable potential for this through increased efficiency, digitalization, and outsourcing. In addition, options for offshoring are being examined. As part of the ongoing "Evonik Tailor Made" Group program and efficiency programs in the operating businesses, Evonik plans to cut around 2,800 positions from October 2023 to the end of 2026.
"The job cuts will remain socially acceptable moving forward," says Chief Human Resources Officer and Labor Director Thomas Wessel. "The details will be finalized with the social partners in the coming weeks."
In the Custom Solutions segment, Evonik will discontinue its global polyester business in 2027. This affects sites in Witten and Marl, Germany, as well as Shanghai, China.
"Ending the polyester business and closing production is an economically unavoidable step," says Lauren Kjeldsen, who is responsible for the segment on the Executive Board. "Global competitive pressure, structural disadvantages in Europe, and declining market dynamics mean that none of the alternatives examined would have been economically viable for Evonik in the long term."
The polyester business generates annual revenues of around 150 million euros but has not been profitable for years. The site in Witten, which employs 266 people, will be closed in 2027. In Marl, 45 jobs will be cut, while 35 positions will be eliminated at the production plant in Shanghai, China.