Multi-million investment secures jobs at Unilever in Vogtland

After investing millions in Auerbach (Vogtlandkreis), the food group Unilever is starting up a new production line there. The company is investing a total of 15 million euros at the site with 115 employees, 10 million of which will be used for the production of snack products. These are ready meals in cups that are prepared quickly by adding water. According to the information provided, up to 100 million cups can be produced on the new line each year.

"The demand for snack products is continuously increasing - and we see great potential for sustainable growth in this area," said Stefan Pfeifer, Managing Director of Unilever Germany. The Auerbach plant is to be expanded into a competence center for this segment. The concept for this was reportedly developed jointly by the employers and the works council.

Investment to secure the future of the site

Dried soups and seasonings have been produced in Auerbach since the 1940s, from 1990 under the Knorr brand. Since 2000, the site has belonged to consumer goods manufacturer Unilever, which also produces detergents and personal care products. Production takes place on seven fully automated packaging lines. According to the company, Auerbach is Unilever's most important production site for packet soups, snack pots and spaghetti products, producing more than 8,000 tons per year. The whole of Europe is supplied from here.

Plans to cut jobs at Unilever in Auerbach were announced last year. At that time, 175 people still worked there. The investment has mitigated the job cuts. The new production line secures the future of the site, Thomas Lißner from the Food, Beverages and Catering Union told the German Press Agency. It is hoped that production will get off to a good start and will be expanded from one-shift operation to two or even three shifts in the future. This could then create additional jobs, according to Lißner.