The news hits the region hard. Hesse’s only steel mill, Buderus in Wetzlar, is facing closure. At a staff meeting, the management of the Munich-based investment company Mutares informed employees of the planned closure. Mutares has not yet publicly confirmed this decision. For the employees, however, the announcement means the loss of hundreds of jobs in Hesse. (ffh: 26.08.25)
470 jobs at Buderus threatened
Around 470 jobs at the Wetzlar steelworks, in administration, the forge, and other areas, are affected. IG Metall representative Stephen Mayer explained in an interview that employees learned about the drastic cuts today from management. He believes the main reason is the massive increase in energy costs. The plant’s state-of-the-art electric furnace is no longer operating profitably. “It would be cheaper if it was shut down,” Mayer said.
The search for buyers also proved unsuccessful. Potential investors showed no interest. This exacerbates the situation in the region, as a location with decades of tradition is losing its core business. This represents a severe blow, especially in light of the industrial crisis.
Steel forge remains in the group
The steel forge is to remain under Mutares’ ownership. The company is apparently relying on contracts from the defense industry there. In contrast, Georgsmarienhütte near Osnabrück plans to acquire a stake in the rolling mill and the training facility. According to IG Metall, contracts for these areas are currently being signed.
The actual Wetzlar steelworks, however, is nearing closure. Operations are scheduled to cease by the end of October. Therefore, talks with the works council and unions regarding necessary social plans will begin this week. “This is extremely bitter; everyone is shocked; many work very long hours for Buderus Edelstahl. We must try to do something in the social negotiations, especially for our older colleagues. Especially because the labor market is deteriorating,” said Mayer.
Traditional Buderus plant in trouble
Buderus currently employs around 1,150 people at its Wetzlar site. The company, steeped in tradition, has a long history, but its economic situation has been deteriorating for years. Ownership has changed hands several times. From Buderus, the plant passed to Bosch, later to Voestalpine, and finally, in 2024, to Mutares. Immediately after the takeover, the company initiated dismantling plans and announced initial decisions.
As early as the summer, there were indications that only the steel forging plant had a chance of continuing. At the same time, Georgsmarienhütte expressed interest in individual areas. For the employees at the Wetzlar steelworks, however, uncertainty was great from the start. Many feared that an end was inevitable. This fear was exacerbated by the ongoing industrial crisis in Germany.
Breakup of Buderus becomes reality
The critics’ concerns are now being confirmed. From the beginning, there was suspicion that Mutares could break the company into individual parts. This assessment is now proving to be correct. For Wetzlar, this means not only the loss of hundreds of jobs in Hesse, but also the end of an important industry.
The workforce is reacting with deep sadness to the impending closure. Decades of experience and expertise are at risk of being lost. For many people in the region, the closure of Buderus marks a break with a long tradition closely linked to the city. At the same time, it demonstrates the severe strain the industrial crisis is having on the economy. The Wetzlar steelworks, steeped in tradition, will thus finally lose its central role.