economy
March 23, 2026
Famous European Tobacco Factory Fails: Giant Ceases Production, Hundreds of Workers Left Jobless
The cigarette factory in Langenhagen, near Hanover, which has been operating since 1971, will soon cease operations. Tobacco company Imperial Brands announced that production will be gradually phased out by 2027, after no buyer was found for the location.
TL;DR
- Imperial Brands is closing its Langenhagen cigarette factory by 2027.
- The closure will impact around 600 employees.
- Reasons cited include high production costs in Germany and a decline in the traditional tobacco market.
- No buyer was found for the factory location.
- The NGG union is opposing the decision and plans to fight for job preservation.
- The union alleges that Imperial Brands intends to move all production abroad to cut costs.
- The factory produced classic cigarettes, fine-cut tobacco, and modern products like 'stick' inserts for heated tobacco devices.
- Imperial Brands is a British multinational tobacco company, the fourth-largest cigarette producer globally.
- The company has about 30 factories worldwide and sells products in approximately 120 markets.