Lieken GmbH announced that its facility in Essen is closing on December 31, 2026. Nearly 120 employees work there. The baked goods currently produced in Essen will be redistributed to other locations.

The company cites “persistently difficult economic conditions, as well as a market environment—specifically within the toast and sandwich segment—that is stagnating or experiencing a slight decline” as the reasons for closing the operation in Essen. Spiking costs in energy, operating, and maintenance also contributed to this decision, alongside a significant need for capital investment and facility modernization.

“We deeply regret this step and will seek personal discussions with those affected in the coming days, to whom we will be making severance offers in connection with the upcoming closure,” the company stated.

Founded in 1922 in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Lieken has been a part of the Czech Agrofert group since 2013. The Lieken Group is one of the leading manufacturers of bread and baked goods in Germany and supplies the German food retail sector daily. It is a market leader in the bakery sector with packaged, fresh breads under the national brands GOLDEN TOAST and LIEKEN URKORN, and produces baked goods for private labels and bake-off stations.

Photo: Lieken GmbH LinkedIn