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Leuna

The chemical park in Leuna has become a test case for Europe’s industrial resilience
The chemical park in Leuna has become a test case for Europe’s industrial resilience

The Reportage by Marilen Martin and Libby Cherry describes how the chemical park in Leuna has become a test case for Europe’s industrial resilience.

Photographed 2/2025 for Bloomberg News
published 3/2026 in the article 'Iran War Is the Latest Blow for Europe’s Battered Industrial Backbone'
Picture Editor: Jody Megson, Chris Reiter

Christof Günther, the managing director of InfraLeuna, in his office.
Christof Günther, the managing director of InfraLeuna, in his office.
The imposing neoclassical headquarters of the Leuna chemical park reflect its importance for the region
The imposing neoclassical headquarters of the Leuna chemical park reflect its importance for the region
Germany’s largest contiguous chemical park employed nearly 30,000 people in its heyday.
Germany’s largest contiguous chemical park employed nearly 30,000 people in its heyday.
Services such as steam supplies and waste management are provided by a centralized operator at the Leuna chemical park to create efficiencies.
Services such as steam supplies and waste management are provided by a centralized operator at the Leuna chemical park to create efficiencies.
Michael Bedla (CDU), Mayor of the City of Leuna
Michael Bedla (CDU), Mayor of the City of Leuna
The chemical park boasts 94 kilometers of railways, 40 kilometers of roads and 20 kilometers of piping.
The chemical park boasts 94 kilometers of railways, 40 kilometers of roads and 20 kilometers of piping.
Manuela Grieger, who started working in the chemical park in 1977.
Manuela Grieger, who started working in the chemical park in 1977.
A deserted skate park in the town of 14,000 residents.
A deserted skate park in the town of 14,000 residents.
Chemical and industrial facilities in Leuna sustain communities across eastern Germany.
Chemical and industrial facilities in Leuna sustain communities across eastern Germany.