Imperial Brands has announced that it will gradually close its factory in Hanover by 2027, following an unsuccessful search for a buyer that failed to yield a sustainable agreement. The facility has been producing cigarettes since 1971 and also manufactures consumables for heated tobacco devices.
Key Points at a Glance
- Imperial Brands has announced that it will gradually close its Langenhagen factory by 2027.
- Located near Hanover, the facility has been producing cigarettes since 1971.
- The company stated that negotiations with potential buyers failed to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the factory’s future.
- The company had previously indicated in October 2025 that the Langenhagen factory might be sold or closed.
Imperial Brands to Close Hanover Factory by 2027
According to a DPA report dated March 27, 2026, Imperial Brands has decided to close its Reemtsma factory in Hanover. Germany, after an unsuccessful search for a buyer, is set to phase out production at the facility by 2027.
Production Phase-Out Plan Confirmed
Imperial Brands stated that, despite engaging in intensive and constructive negotiations with a potential buyer, they ultimately failed to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the factory’s future. Against this backdrop, the company has decided to close the Langenhagen factory in stages by 2027.
Employees Informed of Closure Decision
The company has already informed its employees of this decision during a staff meeting held in Langenhagen.
Long-Standing Facility with 600 Jobs Affected
The facility has been producing cigarettes since 1971. Currently, approximately 600 employees at the factory are affected by this closure plan.
Declining Tobacco Volumes Behind Decision
Sami Naffakh, Imperial Brands’ Supply Chain Director, stated that the company had diligently evaluated all realistic options over the past few months in an effort to keep the factory operational, but the related negotiations ultimately proved unsuccessful.
High Costs and Underutilization Cited
Reemtsma’s parent company had indicated as early as October 2025 that it was considering closing the facility, stating at the time that the factory would either be sold or shut down. The company attributed this decision to high production costs and underutilized capacity, noting that declining production volumes in its traditional tobacco business were a contributing factor.
Heated Tobacco Production Also Impacted
In addition to traditional factory-made cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco, the factory currently also produces tobacco sticks for heated tobacco devices.
