In a significant restructuring move, Bayer AG has announced the closure of its Frankfurt site, impacting approximately 500 jobs, as part of a broader strategy to streamline its crop science division. The decision, set to be implemented by the end of 2028, reflects the company's response to intense price competition from Asian manufacturers of generic agrochemicals and increasing regulatory challenges. Bayer plans to consolidate its research and development activities in Monheim am Rhein and optimize production at its Dormagen facility, where around 200 positions are also expected to be cut.
The Frankfurt site, which houses production capabilities for herbicide active ingredients and formulations, as well as R&D for crop protection products, will not see a complete shutdown. Bayer is exploring options to transfer parts of the production to its Dormagen and Knapsack sites and is seeking buyers for other segments. This move is aimed at focusing the company's resources on strategic, innovative technologies and products to differentiate itself in a highly competitive market.
The announcement has sparked sharp criticism from the IG BCE chemical union and the works council, who view the planned closure as a historic break with Bayer's long-standing commitment to its German roots. Francesco Grioli, a member of the IG BCE executive board, emphasized the unprecedented nature of abandoning a German site in the company's 162-year history, calling for a thorough examination of alternatives to the shutdown.
Bayer cited the aggressive pricing strategies of Asian generic agrochemical producers, who have built significant overcapacities and are entering the market with prices sometimes below the production costs in Europe, as a key factor behind the restructuring. The company's decision underscores the growing pressures facing the European agrochemical industry from global competition and regulatory hurdles, signaling a challenging road ahead for traditional players in the sector.
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