BioNTech plans to close three facilities in Germany and a manufacturing site in Singapore after the biotechnology company failed to find buyers for the locations. The BioNTech site closures could affect up to 1,860 jobs as the company moves away from pandemic-era COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing.
BioNTech, the German company, plans to close its facilities in Idar-Oberstein, Marburg, and Tübingen between 2027 and 2028. It also plans to end operations at its Singapore facility in early 2027.
The BioNTech plant closures in 2026 follow a decline in COVID-19 vaccine demand and reflect the company’s shift toward developing cancer treatments. BioNTech expects its German operational consolidation to generate €500 million in annual cost savings, which it plans to reinvest in its oncology pipeline.
Why Are BioNTech German Manufacturing Sites Closing?
BioNTech expanded its manufacturing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet global demand for vaccines. However, demand has declined from pandemic-era levels, leaving some facilities with less production work. In May 2026, the company announced plans to find buyers for its German manufacturing sites and Singapore facility, with closures as an alternative.
A BioNTech spokesperson told Reuters that a “wide-ranging sales process” had failed to secure a completed sale. The company will now proceed with the planned closures.
The BioNTech restructuring also involves transferring COVID-19 vaccine production to its partner, Pfizer, while redirecting resources toward cancer treatment development.
Which BioNTech Sites Will Close and When?
The locations affected by the BioNTech site closures include 3 locations in Germany and one in Singapore.
The company has outlined the following closure schedule:
- Tübingen, Germany: End of 2027
- Marburg, Germany: Early 2028
- Idar-Oberstein, Germany: End of 2028
- Singapore: First quarter of 2027
BioNTech’s Tübingen facility served as the legacy headquarters of CureVac, which BioNTech acquired in 2025. The Marburg and Idar-Oberstein locations support vaccine manufacturing.
The BioNTech site closures form a part of the wider restructuring, although the company has not confirmed a new owner for the facility.
How Will BioNTech Germany Layoffs Affect The Jobs?
The BioNTech Germany layoffs are a part of a broader restructuring expected to affect up to 1,860 positions across the affected operations.
The company has reached an agreement with its works council on socially responsible solutions and additional redundancy terms for affected staff.
The final workforce impact may vary across locations and roles. The reported figures are for wider restructuring rather than confirmed layoffs at the three German facilities alone.
How BioNTech Site Closures Support Oncology Pipeline?
The BioNTech site closures are also intended to reduce operating expenses and support the company’s long-term research priorities.
BioNTech expects its German operational consolidation to generate approximately €500 million in annual cost savings. The company plans to reinvest these savings in its oncology pipeline, which includes cancer treatments under development.
During the second quarter of 2026, BioNTech recorded €96.1 million in costs associated with two German manufacturing sites. It also recognized €97.6 million in employee-related restructuring costs.
These expenses reflect the financial impact of the BioNTech 2026 restructuring, while the projected savings represent an expected future benefit.
