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Paper factory in Neu Kaliß closes: 115 jobs at risk!
The Neu Kaliss paper factory in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will close on March 31, 2026, resulting in 115 jobs being lost.
Paper factory in Neu Kaliß closes: 115 jobs at risk!
The future of paper production is hanging in the balance. On March 31, 2026, the Neu Kaliss paper factory in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district will close its doors. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the 115 employees who will lose their jobs as a result of the closure. The Melitta Group, to which Neu Kaliß Spezialpapier GmbH belongs, attributes the closure to the poor business situation that has persisted for years. Mayor Burkhard Thees describes the situation as a deep turning point for the community, which is closely linked to the tradition of paper making. The first paper mill was built at this location as early as 1799, and mechanical paper production began in 1871.
Despite the historical legacy, the form of paper production has changed significantly in recent years. The company was able to successfully establish itself in the non-woven wallpaper sector for a long time and was even the market leader with international customers. But pressure from Asia and the loss of an important market in the East due to the war in Ukraine have caused noticeable market changes. A report from Merkur states that the Melitta Group was looking for buyers or investors for years and came into contact with around 170 potential partners. But all efforts remained unsuccessful.
The closure in detail
What is particularly frightening is that the closure is not the result of bankruptcy, which creates a certain level of uncertainty for employees. Nevertheless, the characteristics of a poor business situation for years have proven to be unavoidable. The community now faces the challenge of offering solutions to its citizens. Mayor Thees announced that there should be individual solutions for the affected employees in order to overcome this difficult transition phase as best as possible.
The Melitta Group itself says that the decision to close was anything but easy. In addition, a report by NDR mentions that the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Ministry of Economic Affairs supported the company in these efforts, but that no fruitful steps could be found to save the location. The winding-up process will be structured according to a social plan, with employees leaving the company gradually.
Amid this sad news, it remains to be seen how the economic situation around Neu Kaliss will develop. The closure is a heavy blow for the paper factory's approximately 115 employees; after more than two centuries of industrial tradition, good winds can no longer blow between the trees in the region.
Further information can be found in the articles from Mercury and NDR.