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Venator rescue: ICIG takes over chemical plant in Duisburg
The acquisition of the insolvent Venator plant in Duisburg by the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) secures 350 jobs. While employees there can breathe a sigh of relief, the future of the titanium dioxide plant in Krefeld remains uncertain.
The insolvent chemical plant Venator Germany in Duisburg has a future: The International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) will take over the site, securing 350 jobs. The takeover is part of a comprehensive restructuring process overseen by the insolvency administration Anchor, bringing an end to months of uncertainty for the employees in Duisburg.
ICIG, a globally active investor focusing on medium-sized chemical and pharmaceutical companies, sees significant potential for further development at the site. The Duisburg plant specialises in the production of functional additives used in paints, coatings, and plastics. Established brands such as Sachtolith and Blanc Fixetm are set to be further strengthened under ICIG’s management. However, the acquisition is still subject to antitrust approval.
Background of insolvency and challenges
Venator filed for insolvency in the summer of 2025, driven by the Ukraine conflict which caused energy and raw material costs to soar. Additionally, financial difficulties faced by its British parent company added to the pressure. The production of titanium dioxide at Duisburg was discontinued in 2024, resulting in the loss of approximately 300 jobs. Despite the insolvency, operations at the Duisburg site continued to attract potential investors. With ICIG stepping in, this search has now reached a successful conclusion.
Uwe Sova, works council chairman, welcomed the takeover, describing it as a “ray of hope” for the workforce. The decision provides the employees with much-needed planning security after months of uncertainty.
Uncertain future for Krefeld
While the outlook for Duisburg is promising, the situation remains precarious for Venator’s second plant in Krefeld-Uerdingen, where 350 employees continue to worry about their jobs. Insolvency administrator Dr Jan-Philipp Hoos noted that the sales process for the Krefeld site is more complex due to its focus on titanium dioxide production, which faces intense competition from Chinese manufacturers. The influx of cheaper products from China poses significant challenges in finding a suitable investor.
The rescue of the Duisburg plant by ICIG highlights the importance of targeted investment in regional production facilities. With over 150 years of history, Venator is one of the most established names in the chemical sector. This acquisition could not only stabilise the Duisburg site but also signal the importance of preserving industrial manufacturing in Germany.
