Lemvig Mayor Wants Military Factory on Cheminova Site

The planned closure of FMC Rønland has put about 400 jobs at risk, but Lemvig Mayor Jens Lønberg hopes the industrial site will not remain empty for long. He wants military companies to consider moving onto the grounds between Harboøre and Thyborøn, where Cheminova previously operated.

The closure came as a major blow to the local community after FMC Rønland’s owners announced earlier in the week that the chemical plant would shut by the end of 2026. Lønberg told DR and Dagbladet Holstebro-Struer that several people had independently raised the possibility of establishing defense companies at Rønland.

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More than one person has approached us unsolicited with the idea that military companies might perhaps be established at Rønland.

“More than one person has approached us unsolicited with the idea that military companies might perhaps be established at Rønland,” Lønberg told Dagbladet Holstebro-Struer. He pointed to the workers who will soon be available. “At the same time, we have 400 employees from FMC Rønland who are highly specialized and have extensive experience working with safety,” he said.

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At the same time, we have 400 employees from FMC Rønland who are highly specialized and have extensive experience working with safety.

The mayor’s focus on defense industry also reflects the state’s allocation of a three-digit billion-kroner sum for investments in the armed forces. Kim Haugbølle, a senior researcher at Aalborg University’s Department of the Built Environment, said the idea was not unreasonable, particularly because an ammunition factory could need many of the workers facing redundancy.

“Jobs are absolutely crucial for any area in Denmark. Without jobs, more and more people, especially younger people, can easily move away,” Haugbølle told DR. He also warned that possible cleanup requirements at the former Cheminova site could obstruct or delay a new company’s arrival.

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Jobs are absolutely crucial for any area in Denmark. Without jobs, more and more people, especially younger people, can easily move away.