Chemie: Covestro streicht Kunststoff-Produktion in Antwerpen zusammen
Der Chemiekonzern plant das weitgehende Aus für sein Topprodukt Polycarbonat am belgischen Standort. 260 Stellen sind in Gefahr. Grund dafür ist nicht allein die teure Energie.
Covestro AG has announced plans to scale back its production of a key plastic in Antwerp, Belgium, by reducing the capacity at its largest facility there from four to one line. The company informed of the decision on Thursday, stating that 260 jobs will be affected. Standard polycarbonate is produced for use in large-volume bottles, car headlamps, laptop casings, and construction.
Covestro is the leading global manufacturer of polycarbonate. However, the company is facing increasing competition and price pressure from Asian competitors and weak demand in Europe. Covestro CEO Markus Steilemann attributed the plans to the need to adapt the company's portfolio in Europe where the production can be competitive in the long run.
Covestro operates one of its two major plants for polycarbonate in Antwerp, while the other is located in Krefeld-Uerdingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, and will not undergo the changes. The company does not provide sales figures for the product, but the announcement further impacts the European chemical industry, which has seen numerous manufacturers downscale or shut down facilities in recent years.
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