Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the largest beverage company in Germany, has announced the closure of five of its locations. These closures will affect sites in Cologne, Neumünster, Berlin-Hohenschönhausen, Bielefeld, and Memmingen, resulting in the loss of 500 jobs. Additionally, 207 positions will be relocated, and 78 new jobs will be created. The decision is driven by the need for cost efficiency, changes in beverage logistics, and the desire to optimize the company's production and logistics network.
The Cologne site, which employs 600 people, will see the most significant impact, with 289 jobs being cut. Coca-Cola cites the high density of locations in western Germany and limited growth opportunities in Cologne as reasons for the closures. Despite these changes, the company aims to avoid compulsory redundancies by offering alternative positions at other locations and seeking mutual agreements with employees.
The German union NGG has sharply criticized the move, labeling it as sheer profit-driven greed. They argue that despite Coca-Cola's record sales of 4.1 billion liters in 2023, the company is neglecting its responsibility towards its employees. NGG calls for Coca-Cola to assume greater accountability for the affected workers.
The closures are part of a broader strategy to adapt to an increasingly competitive market environment and to respond to evolving logistics demands. Coca-Cola is also investing in sustainable initiatives, such as the Pipeline Organics project, which aims to produce clean electricity from wastewater.
Talks between the company and employee representatives are expected to begin soon to address the impacts of this restructuring. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the future for many of Coca-Cola's employees in Germany.
