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Nestlé has announced plans to cease operations at its Conow production site in early 2026 and its Neuss plant in mid-2026, citing rising costs and declining volumes driven by increasing consumer price sensitivity.

According to the company, the decisions follow an intensive review of both sites’ performance.

Negotiations are currently underway to sell the plant to another German company interested in taking over both the facility and its workforce. The Conow site employs approximately 80 people who produce culinary products under the Maggi and Garden Gourmet brands. Nestlé said that the workforce was informed of the closure on Thursday, 20 March.

Production of Garden Gourmet Vuna, Maggi Liquid Bouillon and Maggi Texicana Salsa will be relocated to other European sites. Nestlé stated that the move is aimed at improving the competitiveness of its food plants in Germany and maximising efficiencies within its European operations.

Fabrice Johan, chief technology officer at Nestlé Germany, said: "This change is necessary to position our company for the future within Germany and Europe. It was a difficult decision, which we made after intensive examination and consideration of the overall situation. However, it offers the opportunity to preserve the site and the jobs. We are doing everything we can to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion."

Remco Posluschny, plant manager in Conow, stated: "We are a highly qualified and motivated team and want to seize the opportunity to continue production here with another company. Furthermore, we have invested a double-digit million amount in our plant over the past few years and are well positioned with our facilities. Continuing to produce high-quality products together here is our primary goal, and I will personally dedicate all my energy to this."

Nestlé also announced plans to close its Neuss plant in mid-2026, affecting approximately 145 employees. The site currently produces Thomy oil, mayonnaise and mustard in glass, plastic bottles and tubes.

The decision was attributed to increasing price sensitivity among consumers and rising costs, leading to declining volumes and overcapacity at the Neuss site. Nestlé intends to relocate product manufacturing within Germany and to other European countries. An external production solution is being sought for the bottling of Thomy oil, while glass and plastic bottle production will move to other European sites. Mustard and mayonnaise tube production is set to transfer to the Lüdinghausen plant.

Johan commented: "It was a difficult decision, which we made after intensive examination and consideration of the overall situation. Now it's time to take responsibility for the employees on site and create prospects for them." 

Markus Vormann, plant manager in Neuss, added: "We are located in a structurally strong region, and our staff is highly qualified. Our goal is to find suitable opportunities for our employees in close cooperation with the Federal Employment Agency and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. To this end, we will also contact other companies in the region to provide the best possible support for our employees during their transition to new employment."

Investment in Lüdinghausen

As part of the restructuring, Nestlé will invest approximately €13 million in modernising the Lüdinghausen site and establishing a new production line. Around 90% of tube production will be relocated there, creating 30 additional jobs that will be offered to employees from Neuss.

The company aims to enhance competitiveness across its food plants in Germany while leveraging synergies within its European network. In the future, 80% of Thomy products will continue to be produced in Germany.

Effective immediately, Nestlé will work with the works council to explore responsible solutions, including employment opportunities at other Nestlé sites, continuing education and training programmes, and offers of partial retirement or other collective bargaining agreements.

Nestlé currently operates 17 locations in Germany, including over ten production sites, and employs more than 6,000 people. Its two food competence centres for high-quality culinary products are located in Lüdinghausen and Singen.