Minister President Stephan Weil has visited Felix Schoeller in Osnabrück

Lower Saxony's Minister President Stephan Weil (SPD) has visited Osnabrück-based specialty paper manufacturer Felix Schoeller. The aim of the vist was to exchange views with CEO Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp on the future of Germany as an industrial location. The topic of energy transition, in particular the use of hydrogen, was also discussed.

The paper industry is coming under increasing pressure as a result of the economic downturn: demand for products has fallen significantly in recent months, and individual companies have recently had to close entire sites. Throughout Germany, paper machines are being shut down because energy prices remain too high.

During his visit to Osnabrück, Stephan Weil confirmed that he will continue to campaign for the introduction of an industrial electricity price. Felix Schoeller welcomes the Prime Minister's initiative.

Felix Schoeller has five sites in Germany. In order to avoid the use of fossil fuels, the specialty paper manufacturer intends to use hydrogen, among other fuels. This requires a connection to the hydrogen network. Stephan Weil stated that he wanted to involve the Osnabrück region with its energy-intensive industry in the strategic development of the infrastructure.  

Hans-Christoph Gallenkamp, CEO Felix Schoeller: "We would like to thank Minister President Stephan Weil for the trusting and open dialog. The paper industry needs reliable framework conditions to ensure that industrial manufacturing has a future in Germany. The introduction of an industrial electricity price is an important step towards securing our competitiveness in the long term. That's why we very much appreciate that the Minister President is positioning himself as a strong advocate."        

Stephan Weil, Minister President of the State of Lower Saxony, said, "Paper production is very energy-intensive and the high prices are jeopardizing the competitiveness of German companies. Felix Schoeller is one of very many examples that shows we need support for energy-intensive industry. We need to preserve jobs and our economic strength."

Stephan Weil was accompanied on his visit to Felix Schoeller by Osnabrück SPD members of parliament Manuela Gava (MdB), Frank Henning (MdL) and Tiemo Wölken (MdEP).