Breaking News

Witten – Evonik’s announcement to terminate its activities at theWitten site in 2027 means a profound change for the people and the economy in the region. The site partner IOI Oleo GmbH, who has close ties to Evonik and Witten, very much regrets this development and the ensuing effects it will have, both on the employees concerned and all those involved.

The two companies are currently in close and constructive dialogue to manage the changes ahead in a responsible manner and jointly shape the necessary measures.

“We deeply regret that Evonik has to take this step. We are aware of the significance this decision has for the employees and the region. At the same time, we appreciate the longstanding cooperation and remain in close dialogue with Evonik in order to navigate the transition phase in the best possible way”, says Thomas Kummer, CEO of IOI Oleo GmbH.

IOI Oleo GmbH underlines its long-term commitment to the Witten site and adheres to its plans for the future: As a cGMP site with extensive expertise, established structures and high quality standards, the company has important know-how and experience, a solid basis for the further development of the business and long-term prospects.

“Even though the framework conditions in Witten are changing, we look forward with optimism. We remain confident in our employees, our know-how, our high quality standards and our long-standing business partners, and thus in the sustainable operation and further development of the Witten site.

IOI Oleo GmbH will accompany the change process in a responsible way and constructively continue the cooperation with Evonik up to the transition. Simultaneously, IOI Oleo is looking ahead and working to actively shape the future of the site.

“We stand for reliability, partnership and long-term commitment. Witten and the region remain an important and integral part of our corporate strategy.”

IOI Oleo GmbH has taken over Imperial-Oel-Import-Handelsgesellschaft mbH with effect from 1 July 2026, thus strengthening its position as leading supplier of oleochemical specialties. With this acquisition, IOI Oleo is specifically expanding its product portfolio with the segments of lanolin and omega-3, as well as its international trading and procurement expertise.

Founded in 1920, ImperialOel is a globally recognised specialist for lanolin and omega-3 raw materials. The family-owned Hamburg company has decades of experience, longstanding international supplier relationships and a strong market position in the foodstuffs, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics sectors.

With the acquisition of ImperialOel, IOI Oleo is combining its industrial production and development competence with the trade and sourcing expertise of ImperialOel. A powerful joint platform for natural lipids and oleochemical specialties will be created, offering customers an even broader range of products and services.

“With ImperialOel, we are gaining a company with a high level of market expertise, very ambitious employees and a more than 100-year-old success story. Together, we are creating the basis for further growth and strengthening our position in attractive international markets”, says Thomas Kummer, CEO of IOI Oleo GmbH.

The continuity of business relations is a central concern for customers, suppliers and employees of ImperialOel. At the same time, the affiliation with IOI Oleo GmbH and the internationally operating IOI Group opens up new prospects for innovation, growth and the further development of our business.