Following the seismic activity in Braunschweig, sparked by the Oettinger quakes, a trade union dispute has arisen.
In a move that has sparked outrage in the region, Oettinger, the German beverage company, has announced plans to largely shut down its production at its Lower Saxony site in Brunswick by spring 2026. The decision affects around 150 employees in production and bottling.
The trade union NGG (Nutrition, Hospitality, Catering) has sounded the alarm about the closure, with union secretary Alexander Nimptsch vowing to fight for the preservation of the site. Nimptsch emphasized that the NGG considers the site in Brunswick to be indispensable due to its highly professional nature and its status as the only brewery site in northern Germany with a logistics center.
CEO Stefan Blaschak of Oettinger attributes the closure to economic problems, citing the need for a reduction of Oettinger's in-house excess capacities as inevitable. However, some users are not convinced by this argument, as they point out that the site has full order books.
The utilization of the facilities in Brunswick has been declining for years, with costs rising and changes in consumer behavior playing a significant role. Blaschak, however, has promised a solid transition phase through the transfer company, subject to the approval of the works council, for temporary employment during career reorientation.
The NGG assumes that negotiations can be held about the closure plans, as they currently represent a management declaration of intent. It remains unclear what will happen to the employees in Brunswick. The case of Brunswick demonstrates that even a well-utilized site can still face drastic cuts.
The trade union is actively resisting the closure, with many social media users expressing anger about the decision, citing the site's productivity and the quality of Oettinger's products. The NGG has emphasized that investments are needed, not just in Brunswick, but throughout Germany.
Production will be relocated to Oettingen and Mönchengladbach, with only parts of logistics and materials management remaining in Brunswick. Blaschak has emphasized that Oettinger would be happy to offer a solid transition phase through the transfer company.
As of now, the current status of negotiations between Oettinger and the trade union NGG regarding the possible closure of Oettinger's brewery in Brunswick remains unclear. It is best to consult recent news sources or official union/company statements directly for the most current updates.
The NGG is advocating for investment in the Brunswick site, given its unique status as the only brewery site in northern Germany with a logistics center, which is under threat of closure. Despite reassurances from Oettinger CEO Stefan Blaschak about a solid transition phase, some industry insiders question the finance-driven rationale for the closure, as the site reportedly has full order books and a highly professional workforce.
