Chemical company, Venator, will persist in operation despite financial insolvency

The Duisburg Venator chemical plant, a significant player in the region's industry, finds itself in a challenging situation following its insolvency filing on September 4, 2025. The economic turmoil, primarily attributed to the increased energy and raw material costs resulting from the Ukraine war, is believed to be the main cause of the crisis.

Despite the insolvency, the Duisburger chemical plant plans to continue production, offering a glimmer of hope for the local economy. The works council chairman, Uwe Sova, urges employees to maintain their efforts to keep the plant attractive for potential buyers.

The insolvency administrator, Sarah Wolf, has been appointed by the local court and is currently engaging with customers, suppliers, banks, and the works council to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation. The aim is to navigate the challenges and potentially find a suitable buyer for the plant.

In an effort to support the affected employees, a social plan has been put in place. This includes severance payments or transfers to a transfer company for those who may lose their jobs. The Duisburger chemical plant has also secured salaries for the next three months through insolvency benefits from the Federal Employment Agency.

The insolvency has been met with concern by both the Duisburger Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Lower Rhine Industry and Commerce Chamber, viewing it as a blow to the economy in the Lower Rhine region.

In a bid to streamline operations, Venator Duisburg reduced around 290 jobs last year and ceased the production of titanium dioxide. The Venator plant in Krefeld also filed for insolvency a week earlier. Production was subsequently concentrated at the neighboring site in Krefeld-Uerdingen, with around 35 employees from Duisburg moving to Krefeld.

During a works meeting scheduled for Tuesday, the chairman of the Venator works council in Duisburg, Uwe Sova, will address questions regarding invoices, Christmas and holiday pay, and insolvency benefits for the employees. The focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for the workforce amidst the challenging circumstances.

As the situation unfolds, the Duisburger chemical plant remains under the management of preliminary insolvency administrator, Sarah Wolf, with no publicly confirmed information about a potential buyer at this time. The community and the industry await updates with a hopeful outlook for the plant's future.

Chemical company, Venator, will persist in operation despite financial insolvency