Henkel to Cut More Jobs as Part of Ongoing Restructuring

Job Cuts and Site Closures

Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel recently announced plans to optimize production, procurement, logistics, and warehousing. “This will inevitably result in the closure of some warehouses and production sites, leading to job cuts,” Knobel explained. However, he emphasized that no factories in Germany will be shut down.

When asked how many jobs will be cut in the second phase of the restructuring program in Germany or which sites might be affected, a Henkel spokesperson declined to provide specifics. “What is certain,” the spokesperson told BILD, “is that the planned savings will be fully realized by the end of 2026.”

Already 2,000 Jobs Cut Worldwide

In the first phase of restructuring, which began in 2022, Henkel, known for brands like Persil, Pril, and Schwarzkopf, cut approximately 2,000 jobs globally, including about 300 in Germany. “The focus was primarily on creating synergies in marketing and sales,” Knobel told the SZ. The CEO had merged the cosmetics division with the laundry detergent business to reduce costs and simultaneously drive growth.

According to the Handelsblatt, this restructuring effort is the largest in the company’s history. Since the project began, Henkel has either discontinued or sold brands generating a total revenue of 650 million euros.

Knobel stated that the measures taken so far have been successful. “We achieved very strong business results in the first half of the year. This confirms that our strategy is on the right track, and our focus on holistic growth is yielding tangible results,” he said.

Henkel is concentrating its efforts on two business areas: consumer goods, particularly laundry, cleaning products, and hair care, and its adhesives division, where the company is recognized as a global market leader.