Solvay is investing in Bad Wimpfen, realigning its portfolio, consolidating Nocolok? expertise, and ensuring responsible workforce transition.
Solvay is implementing a series of strategic initiatives aimed at securing its long-term competitiveness in Germany. Central to this approach is a careful realignment of its product portfolio combined with targeted investments, with a particular focus on the Bad Wimpfen site. By doing so, the company seeks to establish Bad Wimpfen as a global center for Nocolok production, research, and application, reinforcing Solvay’s leadership in the field of automotive brazing technologies.
As part of this transformation, Solvay will phase out certain product lines at Bad Wimpfen to optimize its operations and strengthen long-term value creation amid a challenging market environment. Notably, the company will discontinue production of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA)-related organics by early 2026. Additionally, select inorganic products, including Hydrogen Fluoride, will be gradually phased out by the end of 2026. Other production lines at the site will continue without disruption. With these adjustments, Solvay will halt the production of TFA and all its derivatives across the Group by early 2026. The planned realignment is expected to result in a net reduction of approximately 100 positions at Bad Wimpfen, reflecting the operational changes.
A key component of Solvay’s investment plan is the creation of a state-of-the-art Nocolok? Paste & Paint facility at Bad Wimpfen. Alongside this, the Nocolok? Technology Center and associated production operations currently based in Garbsen will be relocated to Bad Wimpfen. This consolidation will concentrate technical expertise in a single site, establishing Bad Wimpfen as a global hub for innovation, research, and customer-focused applications. The move will also ensure Solvay continues to maintain a competitive edge in automotive brazing on a worldwide scale. As part of this transition, around 40 positions in Garbsen will be affected, and the Garbsen site is planned to cease operations by 2028.
Throughout this transformation, Solvay remains committed to engaging with employees and their representatives to ensure socially responsible solutions and supportive measures for those impacted. The company intends to allocate approximately €25 million, primarily in 2026, for restructuring initiatives and strategic investments to facilitate this transition.
Commenting on the plans, An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Special Chem business, emphasized: “Germany continues to be a vital industrial hub for Solvay. Through our investments in Bad Wimpfen, we are reinforcing our long-term commitment, creating a globally recognized center for Nocolok? technologies while safeguarding our competitiveness. Equally, we are dedicated to managing this transformation responsibly, in close collaboration with employees and their representatives, to ensure a fair and supportive transition.”
These measures underscore Solvay’s proactive approach to strengthening its market position, consolidating expertise, and driving innovation while balancing operational efficiency with social responsibility.
