Lüneburg Faces Third Major Company Closure Amid Rising Energy Costs, Endangering Over 470 Jobs

Lüneburg, a city already grappling with economic challenges, is facing a new threat as H.B. Fuller, a US adhesive manufacturer, plans to close its Lüneburg site. This closure is part of the company’s broader strategy to cut down its global locations from 82 to 55, a move that could put approximately 80 jobs at risk. This development marks the third significant company closure in Lüneburg, following announcements from auto supplier Yanfeng and forklift manufacturer Jungheinrich.

Yanfeng is set to shut down its production at the Lüneburg site by 2027, affecting about 230 employees, while Jungheinrich’s cessation of operations will impact another 160 workers. Combined, these closures threaten more than 470 jobs in the region, underscoring the severe impact on local employment.

The persistent challenges driving these closures include high energy costs, which the Niedersachsenmetall employers’ association has identified as a key factor causing widespread job cuts in Lower Saxony’s industry sector. Marty Falk, a union secretary from the Industrial Union for Mining, Chemicals, and Energy (IGBCE), stressed the urgency of fighting to save every job in the area.

Lüneburg’s Mayor Claudia Kalisch expressed concern over the city’s economic trajectory, noting that the city possesses favorable conditions for business yet has struggled to leverage these assets effectively. She emphasized the need to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to secure the local economy. Meanwhile, a local political coalition is calling for a comprehensive economic strategy to stabilize and realign Lüneburg’s economic future, though no clear timeline has been established for these measures.

The situation in Lüneburg highlights a broader industrial challenge in the region, with companies facing escalating operational costs amidst uncertain economic conditions. The consolidation of H.B. Fuller’s global footprint reflects these pressures, as does the shuttering of long-established local sites like Yanfeng and Jungheinrich.

As the city confronts this difficult phase, stakeholders from unions, city officials, and business leaders are seeking urgent interventions to mitigate job losses and revitalize the local business climate.