In a statement, the company said it plans to transfer precision strip operations from Dahlerbrück to Dillenburg. Additionally, it will close its coil service center in Hockenheim and move production to other sites.

“We are a global leader in advanced materials, and we want to further strengthen this position. Centralizing the expertise, product portfolio and operations under one roof in Dillenburg would allow us to expand our product portfolio and to reposition the site as the core value creator within our Advanced Materials business line alongside our mills in Sweden,” said Thomas Anstots, president of Outokumpu’s Advanced Materials business. 

“Following the possible change, Dillenburg would be able to offer the full spectrum of our advanced materials products from a wide range of standard and specialty stainless steel grades with varied surfaces to the thinnest of gauges in precision strip.”

The company said it will begin negotiations with employee representatives. 

“During the negotiations, we hope to reach a mutual understanding with our employees while we aim to strengthen our European competitiveness in the long run. Outokumpu will do its utmost to seek opportunities inside and outside the group for our employees in Dahlerbrück and Hockenheim and work together with the employee representatives to agree on a social plan,” said Anstots.