Lanxess to cut 1000 jobs over two years

Synthetic rubber and chemicals specialist Lanxess is planning to cut 1000 jobs across its R&D, sales, marketing and administrative operations by the end of 2016. The cuts represent almost 6% of the firm’s global workforce, and around half will be in Germany.

‘Downsizing the workforce is a necessary measure to improve our competitiveness,’ said company chairman Matthias Zachert. The move is part of an ongoing process of reorganisation, aimed at making the company more profitable.

Meanwhile, Canadian agrochemical producer Agrium has said it will cut around 500 jobs and divest several underperforming business segments. The company has already sold off its turf and ornamental products business, and is looking to get rid of micronutrients and its European urea–ammonium nitrate (UAN) segment.