German chemical giant Evonik to cut 3,200 jobs, two-thirds in Germany

German chemical group Evonik has announced it will cut 3,200 jobs, two-thirds of them at plants in Germany itself. The company cited a structural and economic crisis in the industry as the reason, according to interim CEO Klaus Rettig.

Permanent CEO Christian Kullmann stepped down in August for health reasons, and the company is currently being run by an interim leadership team.

Restructuring six plants

In Germany, Evonik plans to clearly divide business areas and responsibilities among its six major plants, mapping out how each will develop over the coming years. "The implementation of these carefully developed future concepts is starting right now," the company said in a press release.

Evonik sees most of its growth potential not in Europe but in Asia and the Americas, where it is currently weighing new investment projects. The company has not yet disclosed financial details regarding savings or one-off costs.

Plant closures and asset sales

Evonik also confirmed previously announced plans to close several smaller production sites and to sell off its Oxeno and Syneqt divisions.

The company launched a major restructuring drive back in late 2024. In 2027, the process will move into a second phase, running through 2029. According to company figures, Evonik employed 31,053 people at the end of 2025 — nearly 900 fewer than a year earlier.

Germany's energy-intensive chemical industry has been going through tough times in recent years, squeezed by competition from Asia and high energy prices. Evonik specializes in specialty chemicals and additives for other industries, with its products used in the manufacture of cars and tires, plastics, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz