Oettinger closes Braunschweig brewery: 150 jobs at risk!

Oettinger closes Braunschweig brewery: 150 jobs at risk!

The Oettinger brewery has announced that it will close its beer production at its Braunschweig location. This decision was announced on July 21, 2025 and affects around 150 jobs in manufacturing and bottling. Production will be relocated to Oettingen and Mönchengladbach in spring 2026. Despite this closure, parts of the logistics and materials management in Braunschweig will remain, which represents a certain relief for the region.

CEO Stefan Blaschak explains that the closure is mainly due to the continuously falling capacity utilization of the facilities. It's no secret that beer output in Germany has been declining for decades. According to company information, Oettinger's sales have fallen to levels of more than 20 years ago. This development is forcing the company to reduce excess capacity in order to remain competitive.

Necessary adjustments

In addition to the challenges in the sales market, Blaschak also sees rising energy and production costs as important factors that contribute to the relocation of production. These growing challenges are directly related to changing consumer habits. To meet these changes, Oettinger has initiated an efficiency program and is working on realigning the company to develop from a traditional brewery into an innovative beverage company.

With an increased focus on export business and the introduction of new products, especially functional drinks, Oettinger hopes to find new sales markets and further secure the company's profitability. Despite the decline in sales, the company is now achieving positive economic results again.

Impact on the workforce

However, the impact of the closure is worrying for affected employees. The current plan is to transfer the workers to a transfer company, subject to the approval of the works council. Blaschak expresses regret about the associated restrictions for the workforce and at the same time criticizes the collective bargaining with the NGG union. He describes the NGG's wage demands and negotiating tactics as unrealistic and damaging to companies, which further endangers the competitiveness of German medium-sized companies in particular.

This complex situation makes it clear that the Oettinger brewery is facing significant challenges that go beyond simply relocating. The industry as a whole is facing profound change that requires adjustments in both production and consumer behavior.