Lanxess to cut 550 jobs

German chemical group Lanxess faced weak demand, pricing pressure and geopolitical uncertainty in 2025. Sales fell by 10.9 per cent to €5.67 billion, while operating profit excluding exceptional items declined by 16.9 per cent to €510 million. The company does not expect a recovery before the second half of 2026.

In response, it is launching further cost-cutting measures. By 2028, it aims to save an additional €100 million a year, with plans to cut 550 jobs, mainly in administrative roles and largely in Germany. The reductions are to be achieved primarily through natural attrition.

At the same time, the company is temporarily introducing a 35-hour working week for tariff employees and a freeze on management salaries.

In total, Lanxess aims to achieve annual savings of €150 million, with a further €150 million already delivered by the Forward! programme. On the positive side, debt has fallen by 15 per cent to €2.02 billion.

(chemie.de, lud)