Specialty paper manufacturer invests strategically in German sites and consistently implements Reinvent Strategy
Felix Schoeller is continuing its Reinvent Strategy with an extensive €13 million investment package. Over the next two years, the specialty paper manufacturer will invest specifically in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of its German facilities. The package comprises four projects across the company’s sites in Osnabrück, Weißenborn, Günzach, and Neustadt.
Capacity expansion in Osnabrück strengthens position in the décor market
The largest share of the investment – €9 million – is being made at the company’s headquarters in Osnabrück. Felix Schoeller is investing in the competitiveness of Paper Machine 1, increasing its performance by around 20 percent. This solidifies the company’s position as the operator of Europe’s most powerful décor paper machine – a decisive competitive advantage. The measure creates additional capacity for the décor market and strengthens the company’s offering from the Osnabrück site, which had already taken over products and grades from other plants earlier this year as part of its structural realignment.
Sustainability investments at three sites
A further €4 million will be invested in sustainability technologies. In Weißenborn, a steam accumulator will be installed as part of the energy concept, saving CO₂ and improving energy efficiency. At the Neustadt site, energy efficiency is also the focus: here, Felix Schoeller will install a heat exchanger on Paper Machine 18. In Günzach, the company is modernizing the wastewater treatment plant, thereby expanding its expertise in the production of pre-impregnates (PRIP) and increasing flexibility in its customer offering.
Full capacity planned from 2027
The investment package is designed to significantly boost competitiveness from 2027 onwards, ensure full market capacity in décor papers, and deliver an optimal customer offering. The measures follow the structural changes announced earlier this year, including the closure of the Penig plant and portfolio optimization in the Imaging business. CEO Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp explains: “With these investments, we are reaffirming our commitment to Germany as a production location, enhancing our performance, and laying the foundation for further growth. The investment package is the next logical step in our future strategy following the difficult decisions we had to make on consolidating our plant structures.”