Odenwald-Chemie: New investor secures 300 jobs in Neckarsteinach!

Odenwald-Chemie: New investor secures 300 jobs in Neckarsteinach!

Odenwald-Chemie, an established provider of PUR foam systems, has found a new investor who offers the company a perspective for the future. How Plastic web reports, the Slovenian private equity company ECP Tactical Opportunities will take over business operations from July 1, 2025. This ends a difficult chapter for the company, which had to open insolvency proceedings a year and a half ago.

The bankruptcy proceedings, which began on February 1, 2024, put the company's future in question. However, thanks to the support of employees, the works council and a number of continuation agreements with key customers in the automotive industry, Odenwald-Chemie was able to maintain operations without restrictions and has achieved sales of over 70 million euros since the start of the process. Insolvency administrator Marc Schmidt-Thieme from the law firm Hoefer / Schmidt-Thieme particularly emphasizes this commitment, as it made a decisive contribution to the continued existence of the company.

Rescue by ECP Tactical Opportunities

The takeover by ECP Tactical Opportunities relists the company on the market. Odenwald-Chemie is renamed Odenwald Insulation. Around 300 of the original 400 jobs at the headquarters in Neckarsteinach and in the Czech subsidiary will remain. This is an important step in securing existing employees and sustainably stabilizing the company.

Odenwald-Chemie is known for its products in the area of ​​sealants and insulation materials, which are primarily used in the automotive industry. Given the growing demand for products for e-mobility as well as in the construction and general industries, the company's importance in the current market environment is evident. The financial difficulties occurred at the end of 2023 when Odenwald-Chemie came under pressure due to a slump in automobile production and rising costs. The Indat emphasizes that ECP Tactical Opportunities' experience in corporate restructuring, such as at SG Automotive d.o.o., provides additional security for the company's realignment.

By regaining stability, Odenwald-Chemie has not only mastered the challenges of recent years, but also created prospects for future growth. The new strategic direction and the focus on innovative products are factors that will strengthen the company's competitiveness and improve its market positioning. Nevertheless, it remains a task for employees and management to overcome the coming challenges.