Molkerei: Theo Müller schließt zwei ostdeutsche Werke – über 300 Mitarbeiter betroffen

The Theo Müller company group has announced plans to close two production facilities in the German states of Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony, affecting over 300 employees. The Homann Sauces factory in Rogätz, Brandenburg, with approximately 160 workers, and the Schnittkäse (sliced cheese) plant of Sachsenmilch in Leppersdorf, Saxony, which also employs 160 people, are set to be shut down.

The production in Rogätz is scheduled to cease by the end of September 2027, while the Schnittkäse plant, along with its production, packaging, and administration units, will close by December 31. The Leipzig newspaper first reported on these plans, and a Theo Müller spokesperson confirmed them upon request.

Sachsenmilch, a subsidiary of the Theo Müller group, operates a sauerkraut cheese factory and a mozzarella production area at its Wachau location, near the A4 highway. These areas are not affected by the closures, as the company believes they cannot be economically viable due to internal and external constraints. Theo Müller is working together with the respective works councils to find socially acceptable solutions, which include exploring options for continued employment within the company, contract adjustments, and training measures.

The saucemaker in Rogätz does not show a sustainable market demand, as saucers in glass containers are less in demand. The site, acquired by Homann Feinkost in 2008, has been under Theo Müller since 2011, with the local workforce informed about the plans despite extensive efforts to find a viable cost structure and significant investment needs.

The decrease in saucers demand due to changing consumer preferences for other packaging formats has exacerbated the plant's cost issues. In collaboration with its works council, Theo Müller aims to discuss socially acceptable solutions for the affected employees promptly.