BioNTech to close several facilities in Germany and Singapore
Having decided to close production facilities in Germany and Singapore due to market conditions and declining demand, the company's founders are stepping down from their administrative roles.
BioNTech has decided to close some production facilities in Germany and Singapore due to challenging market conditions and falling demand for the COVID-19 vaccine. In this process, which will affect approximately 1,800 employees, company founders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci will step down from their administrative positions to establish a new venture.
Rationale and Timeline for Closures
In a statement released by the company, it was noted that no suitable buyer could be found for the facilities in Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg states, as well as the Singapore facility. Due to difficult market conditions, operations are planned to cease in Tübingen by the end of 2027, in Marburg by early 2028, and in Idar-Oberstein by the end of 2028.
Employees and Acquired Subsidiary
While the closure decision is expected to affect approximately 1,800 employees, management has reached an agreement with the works council to ensure that layoffs are handled in a socially responsible manner. JPT Peptide Technologies GmbH in Berlin was exempted from the closure process as it was acquired by the Dubag Group.
CureVac Acquisition and Reactions
The Tübingen facility set for closure was the headquarters of BioNTech's former rival CureVac, which BioNTech acquired in the summer of 2025. Following the decision, CureVac founder Ingmar Hoerr accused BioNTech of failing to honor its joint venture commitment by choosing to close the facility.
Strategy Shift and Financial Standing
Shifting its focus to oncology and mRNA-based immunotherapies as demand for the COVID-19 vaccine declined, BioNTech reported a net loss of 1.35 billion euros in the first six months of the year. The company employs approximately 7,200 people overall.
Management Change and New Venture
Founders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci will step down from their executive duties to establish a new biotechnology company named Arife. While the duo will retain their shares and continue to serve as scientific advisors, Guido Oelkers will succeed Şahin no later than February 1, 2027.