Overview
- Lieken, which told employees Friday, set December 31, 2026 as the shutdown date for its Essen-Borbeck bakery, affecting about 120 jobs.
- Lieken said weak demand for toast and sandwich bread, steep energy and upkeep costs, and major renovation needs make the site uneconomic.
- Products made in Essen, including the Golden Toast brand, will shift to other Lieken plants so stores keep getting supply.
- The NGG union condemned the decision and its timing, noting the site lacks a works council until next month and calling for full disclosure of finances, options and the timeline.
- The closure lands as food makers in NRW struggle with restructurings and job cuts, adding to a run of hard news for the regional sector.