Belgium's Solvay to cut 140 jobs across two German sites

(Reuters) - Belgian chemicals group Solvay said on Thursday it plans to cut 140 jobs across two sites as it consolidates its German footprint.

The group added it will allocate 25 million euros ($29.44 million) in restructuring expenses and strategic investments, mainly throughout 2026.

"Solvay is taking measures to secure its long-term competitiveness in Germany," the group said in a statement.

It will cut 100 jobs at its Bad Wimpfen site in Germany, as it ends production of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) products and all of its derivatives across the group by early 2026.

Solvay last year announced closing its Salindres site in France, which also made TFA and its fluorinated derivatives.

TFA products are classified as PFAS, so-called "forever chemicals" that do not break down easily in the human body or nature, according to the OECD definition.

PFAS, used in a wide range of products including non-stick cookware and firefighting foams, are associated with certain cancers, hormonal dysfunction and other diseases.

Solvay added it will also cut 40 jobs in its Garbsen site in Germany, which is scheduled to cease operations by 2028.

($1 = 0.8492 euros)

(Reporting by Dimitri Rhodes, Editing by Louise Heavens and Richard Chang)