Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller is planning to close its Rogätz sauce factory in Germany by the end of September 2027, putting around 160 jobs at risk.
The site was acquired in 2008 alongside Hamker by Homann Feinkost, which became part of Müller in 2011.
Müller said the proposed closure follows a review of the plant’s economic viability. According to the company, efforts to improve the site’s cost structure have not been sufficient to make production sustainably competitive, while the factory also requires significant investment.
The group also pointed to changing consumer preferences as a factor in the decision, with demand for sauces packaged in glass jars declining in favour of alternative formats. This has resulted in lower capacity utilisation at Rogätz and placed further pressure on production costs.
Marcus-Dominic Hauck, managing director of Müller’s sauces and dressings business unit, said: “A comprehensive economic analysis has shown that the Rogätz production site has no prospect of recovering from its current loss-making situation and returning to long-term profitability”.
“We are aware that this decision will cause consternation amongst our staff. We will be holding discussions with the works council in the near future, with the aim of finding socially responsible solutions.”
Separately, Müller has confirmed that it will close its sliced cheese division at its Leppersdorf site on 31 December 2026, including the associated production, packaging and administrative operations.
The company said the division could not be operated profitably in the long term despite efforts to assess alternative options.
The acid curd cheese dairy and mozzarella operations at Leppersdorf will not be affected.
Müller said it is working with the works council on measures for affected employees, including opportunities for continued employment elsewhere within the business, contractual adjustments and targeted training and skills development.
Source: foodbev.com
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