# FMC Cheminova factory closure and redevelopment efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fmc-cheminova-factory-closure-in-denmark
> Updated: 2026-09-08T13:00:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4.

FMC Corporation has announced the closure of its Cheminova production facility at Harboøre Tange in West Jutland, scheduled for the end of 2026. Driven by global production optimization and multi-billion kroner losses, the shutdown is expected to result in the loss of approximately 400 jobs. As the largest private employer in Lemvig Municipality, the closure is described by local officials as a ‘local catastrophe’ impacting families and subcontractors.

The site has a long history of environmental controversy involving toxic waste and groundwater contamination. While FMC currently performs voluntary treatment, Region Midtjylland is seeking to clarify long-term management responsibilities with the Minister for the Environment.

In response to the impending vacancy, Lemvig Municipality has renamed the site ‘Industripark Rønland’. Mayor Jens Lønberg has proposed exploring defense industry operations, such as an ammunition factory, noting the site’s distance from residential areas and a workforce already trained in handling hazardous substances. Researcher Kim Haugbølle of Aalborg University has supported this, suggesting such manufacturing offers more local employment than wind farms or data centers.

The closure also intersects with national debates regarding pesticide exports. The facility has been a key exporter of substances prohibited within the EU, such as malathion, dimethoat, and chlorpyrifos. Environment Minister Maria Reumert Gjerding has indicated the Danish government is exploring national measures to prevent the export of environmental and health risks that are not permitted for domestic use, following stalled EU-level efforts.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: FMC Rønland to close Harboøre plant amid pesticide export debates

FMC Rønland will close its Harboøre pesticide plant by late 2026. The move follows years of losses and coincides with Danish political debates regarding a potential national ban on exporting prohibited toxic's.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fmc-rnland-to-close-harbore-plant-amid-pesticide-export-debates

### 2026-09-05: Lemvig Municipality explores ammunition production after FMC Rønland closure

Following the planned closure of the FMC Rønland chemical plant by 2026, Lemvig Municipality is exploring the possibility of establishing an ammunition factory to replace the 400 lost jobs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lemvig-municipality-explores-ammunition-production-after-fmc-rnland-closure

### 2026-09-01: Cheminova factory closure to impact 400 jobs in West Jutland

FMC Corporation is closing the Cheminova pesticide factory in West Jutland, Denmark, impacting over 400 employees and the local economy in Lemvig Municipality.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cheminova-factory-closure-to-impact-400-jobs-in-west-jutland

### 2026-09-01: FMC Rønland to close factory, affecting 400 jobs and environmental management

FMC Rønland will close its Harboøre Tange facility by late 2026, cutting 400 jobs and prompting urgent regional concerns over managing significant historical soil and groundwater contamination.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fmc-rnland-to-close-factory-affecting-400-jobs-and-environmental-management

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Cite as: FMC Cheminova factory closure and redevelopment efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fmc-cheminova-factory-closure-in-denmark