Theo Müller Closes Plants in Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony

The Theo Müller Group plans to close two production sites in Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony. The closures will affect the Homann sauce plant in Rogätz in the Börde district, which employs about 160 people, as well as the Sachsenmilch cheese-cutting facility in Leppersdorf in the Bautzen district, where 160 people are also employed, according to a company statement. Production in Rogätz is scheduled to cease by the end of September 2027.

Sliced Cheese Plant in Leppersdorf to Close at Year-End

The sliced cheese plant at the Sachsenmilch site in Leppersdorf, including the associated production, packaging, and administrative areas, is scheduled to close on December 31. The “Leipziger Volkszeitung” was the first to report on this. A spokesperson for the corporate group confirmed the plans upon inquiry. Sachsenmilch is part of the Theo Müller Group. The sour milk cheese plant and the mozzarella division at the facility in the municipality of Wachau near Highway 4 are not affected.

The spokesperson stated that, despite intensive efforts and an examination of all possible courses of action, the division cannot be operated profitably in the long term due to internal and external conditions. Together with the works council, the company is working on socially responsible solutions. These include, among other things, opportunities for continued employment within the company, mutually agreed-upon contract adjustments, and training and continuing education measures.

Demand for sauces in jars is declining

According to the corporate group, it also sees no sustainable economic prospects for the sauce plant in Rogätz. The facility was acquired from Homann Feinkost in 2008. The company has been part of the Theo Müller Group since 2011. The approximately 160 employees have been informed of the plans.

Despite extensive efforts, the company stated that it had not been possible to achieve a cost structure that would allow for a sustainable and competitive pricing of the products manufactured there. In addition, there is a significant need for investment.

Demand for sauces in jars is declining because consumers are increasingly preferring other packaging formats. The resulting drop in capacity utilization is further exacerbating the site’s cost problems. The company intends to discuss socially responsible solutions for the affected employees with the works council in the near future.