Closure of Dany-Sahne Plant in Bavaria Results in Job Losses and Impact on Local Dairy Farmers

Ochsenfurt - A significant setback has struck the Bavarian region as Danone, the multinational food company, announces the closure of its sole plant in the area, leading to the loss of 230 jobs. The facility, located in Ochsenfurt, is set to cease operations by the end of 2026, marking the end of an era for the local community and its dairy suppliers.

The decision to close the plant is attributed to several factors, including underwhelming production levels, escalating costs, and shifting consumer preferences. A company spokesperson noted that the current operational capacity of the Ochsenfurt facility has dwindled to only 50% of its output from 2019. Furthermore, the plant has been unable to adapt to the rising demand for high-protein products, which are increasingly popular among consumers.

The closure not only affects the 230 employees directly but also poses challenges for 70 local dairy farmers who supply milk to the plant through the Nordbaden Milk Central. With the impending loss of a key buyer, these farmers now face an uncertain future. Although Danone has pledged to engage in discussions with the affected parties, many are left wondering how they will navigate the upcoming changes.

For the city of Ochsenfurt, the implications of the plant's shutdown are profound. Mayor Peter Juks expressed that this development represents a severe blow to the local economy, drawing parallels to the recent layoffs at the automotive supplier Brose in nearby Würzburg. Thomas Eberth, the district administrator of Würzburg, has also vowed to fight for the preservation of the plant, emphasizing the need for community support.

The Danone facility in Ochsenfurt has been operational for over five decades, producing a variety of dairy products, including the well-known Dany Sahne creamy pudding. The plant's closure signifies Danone's complete withdrawal from Bavaria, with future production efforts being consolidated at their Fulda facility in Hesse, where they will focus on infant formula and medical nutrition.

As the local workforce braces for the impact of this closure, Danone has indicated plans to offer social programs, retraining initiatives, and potential relocation opportunities for affected employees to the Fulda site, which is approximately 100 kilometers away.

This development raises critical questions about the future of dairy production and employment in the region as local stakeholders seek to mitigate the repercussions of this major industrial shift.