Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe to cut 162 of 430 jobs at Bielefeld, Germany, paper mill, as it plans further restructuring, streamlining; mill makes thermal, carbonless, inkjet, label, barrier paper, recently shifted focus to thermal paper for POS sector

April 10, 2025 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe GmbH is set to restructure its Bielefeld site in Germany, leading to a reduction of over one‐third of its current 430 employees. The mill specializes in thermal, carbonless, inkjet, label, and barrier paper, and recently focused on the production of thermal papers for the POS sector, which is characterised by a decline in demand and enormous competition.

The decision, which could cut up to 162 jobs, comes amid rising raw material and energy costs as well as intensified competition within a declining market segment, prompting concerns from the trade union IG BCE over the plant’s future and production capacity.

• More than 37% of jobs (approximately 162 positions) may be eliminated to reduce the workforce to 272 employees.
• The mill, located in Bielefeld, specializes in thermal, carbonless, inkjet, label, and barrier paper, and has recently focused on the production of thermal papers for the POS sector, which is characterised by a decline in demand and enormous competition.
• Rising raw material and energy costs, alongside a reduced product portfolio and declining market demand, have necessitated these changes.
• The trade union IG BCE is voicing concerns about the overall future of the paper mill and its production capacity.
• The mill operates two paper machines with a total capacity of 150,000 tpy as well as three coating machines.

The primary source for this article is Euwid, Gernsbach, Germany, published April 9, 2025. To read the original article, click here. (Full report access may require a Euwid subscription.)