Evonik Industries announced it will cut approximately 3,200 jobs worldwide by the end of 2029 as part of an extension of its "Tailor Made" restructuring program [1, 2, 3]. About 2,150 of these job cuts will occur in Germany, where Evonik has a significant portion of its operations [1, 2, 3].
The company operates around 31,000 employees globally and is one of Germany’s major specialty chemicals companies [2, 3]. The "Tailor Made" program began in 2023 with an initial goal of reducing about 2,800 jobs by the end of 2026 [1, 3]. The new phase runs from 2027 through the end of 2029, extending the scope of the earlier effort [1, 3].
A key factor in the restructuring is Evonik’s decision to discontinue its global polyester business in 2027, which affects sites in Germany and China [2, 3]. The polyester segment generates roughly €150 million in annual revenue but has not been profitable for several years [3]. Evonik plans to close the Witten polyester plant in Germany where 266 workers are employed [3]. Additional job cuts will occur at the Marl polyester facility with 45 positions affected, as well as Shanghai where 35 jobs will be eliminated [3].
CEO Christian Kullmann cited an uncertain global political situation and persistently weak economic growth as drivers for the restructuring. He stated, "The global political situation remains uncertain, and economic growth is persistently weak. At the same time, international competition is becoming increasingly fierce" [1, 3]. Kullmann added, "We must become stronger in this environment. Our fate is in our own hands, and we are determined to seize our opportunities" [3].
Thomas Wessel, Evonik’s Chief Human Resources Officer, said the job reductions will remain "socially acceptable" and that details will be finalized with social partners in the coming weeks [3].
The first closures and job cuts related to the polyester business will take place in 2027, starting with the Witten site and the other affected locations [3].
