Today's Werra plant was established in 1997 through the merger of the four formerly independent plants Hattorf and Wintershall (Hesse) as well as Unterbreizbach and Merkers (Thuringia). This created a highly efficient production facility: The integrated network includes crude salt supply, production, wastewater management, workshops, railway operations, energy supply, administration, and training.
Impressive shaft towers and mine cars at all entrances to the Werra valley indicate that mining has shaped the entire region and continues to do so. The area of the mine underground is similar in size to the city of Munich with suburbs. The integrated facility is the largest site of K+S Minerals and Agriculture with an annual output of about 20 million tonnes of crude salt.
The products manufactured from crude salt mined underground are delivered to numerous countries worldwide. In addition to fertilizers, preliminary products for various technical and industrial applications as well as for the pharmaceutical, food and feed industries are manufactured here.
Partner in the region
Plant Werra employs almost 4,400 people (including the central technology craftsmen at the site and 300 trainees), almost half of whom work underground. This makes it an important employer and training company between Bad Hersfeld and Eisenach. 85% of the employees come from the Wartburg district and the district of Hersfeld-Rotenburg. In addition, the plant is an important client for the local mid-sized economy and a major taxpayer for the local communities. This makes it a central building block for the development of the East Hesse/South Thuringia region.
The Merkers Adventure Mine attracts more than 70,000 visitors to the region every year and around 3,000 visitors a year take part in guided tours of the Werra Caliber Mining Museum on Monte Kali. In addition, the Werra plant is active as a sponsor - mainly in the promotion of youth sports.
Plant Werra at a glance
| Founded | 1997 |
| Type of site | Production |
| Crude salt extraction: | approx. 19 million tonnes/year |
| Capacity / production: | approx. 3.2 million tonnes product/year |
| Number of employees: | approx. 4,400 total workforce approx. 300 trainees |
One employer – many opportunities
Discover attractive and varied job opportunities at K+S and get to know us as an employer. In motivated teams, you will have the opportunity to contribute your knowledge, strengths and ideas in a targeted way. In addition, we offer you attractive social benefits, extensive development opportunities, company health management and much more. We are looking forward to getting to know you!
