Production at the Neu Kaliß plant will cease on March 31st because Melitta has decided to close its modern factory in Heiddorf, which is only a few years old. The Neu Kaliß plant, which belongs to Melitta, recently produced a wide variety of specialty papers and nonwovens, including coffee filter paper, wallpaper backing, electrically conductive nonwovens, and papers for large bakeries. This puts 115 jobs in specialty paper production at risk, and the workforce was informed of the closure at a last-minute meeting. (nordkurier: 17.01.26)
Melitta and the surprising decision at the plant
The news came without warning for many; even the management on site reportedly had no clarity about it until shortly before the announcement. Melitta is completely halting production, even though the plant is technically state-of-the-art. The layoffs are being carried out according to the notice periods, and thus 115 jobs are disappearing step by step from Neu Kaliß.
Burkhard Thees, mayor of Neu Kaliß and head of the Dömitz-Malliß district, describes the situation as a watershed moment. “I only learned about it very recently, and for the community and for everyone here, it’s a tremendous blow that we will feel deeply. For Neu Kaliß, this is one of the worst days in its history.” This not only means the factory closure but also a direct disruption for families who have worked in the specialty paper industry for years.
Tradition, Taxes, and the Void After the Factory Closure
With the end of production, a paper tradition spanning more than 225 years is coming to a halt. Neu Kaliß is losing a part of its identity. Thees emphasizes that this is not a case of insolvency, but rather the abandonment of a location. A representative of the major brand confirmed that the Neu Kaliß-Heiddorf plant is to be closed, but details were not immediately available.
A significant gap will be created in the municipal finances, as the plant is one of the town’s most important taxpayers. Thees says: “We as a community will feel the impact, because with the paper mill’s closure, our most important taxpayer will also disappear. I don’t yet have any idea how we can compensate for that in the interests of the clubs and the residents.” Therefore, in addition to jobs, the stability of municipal projects is also a top priority.
Specialty Paper Without a Market: Why Jobs and Sales Are Collapsing
Thees cites the collapse in demand as the core problem, as the market for certain products no longer supports production. “From what we know, the market for the specialty wallpapers, which were primarily manufactured in Neu Kaliß, has practically collapsed. Wallpapers are apparently no longer in vogue. Furthermore, Russia, an important sales market, has disappeared.” Thus, the factory closure affects not only Neu Kaliß, but also a segment that relied on a small number of customers.
At the same time, Thees is committed to maintaining the existing cooperation, but the disappointment remains significant. “We as a community, and I personally, have nothing bad to say about Melitta. We have always worked together flawlessly and helped each other.” He also points to investments and the modern production line, which increases the chances of future use. Many associate this with the hope that fine papers or other paper products will once again be produced at the site in the future.
Social Plan, Prospects, and the Search for a New Site Model
According to available information, discussions on socially responsible solutions will begin soon, focusing on severance packages, training, and job placement. A robust plan is crucial for the 115 jobs, as alternatives in the region are limited. Thees is simultaneously focusing on attracting new industry, as this is the only way to ensure the long-term return of jobs to Neu Kaliß.
Thees articulates this perspective concretely: “The factory is modern, and investments have been made there regularly, so I’m hopeful that after a proper winding-up, there can be a future for something new. Perhaps a buyer will be found, and another company will establish itself here.” Much depends on the location itself, as the factory closure doesn’t necessarily mean the end of specialty paper expertise in the local community if investors act quickly and the land remains available.