Austria’s Burgenland faces job cuts as Lenzing plant closes amid stalled economic promises

Economic Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer says strengthening Austria’s industrial location is a priority, but high costs and competition from China put pressure on the country’s economy. In Burgenland, Lenzing AG announced the closure of its Heiligenkreuz plant by the end of the year, cutting about 2,000 full‑time jobs worldwide and threatening local employment.

Regional officials note that promised incentives have not attracted new businesses to the Rudersdorf industrial zone, leaving the site occupied only by a highway police office. The lack of new firms and the plant shutdown illustrate the challenges facing Austria’s economic location and fuel calls for measures on energy prices, taxes and investment support.