Not economical

Warehouse closure causes anger among winegrowers

The Dt. Schützen warehouse is to be closed on June 30. A new wine-growing center is being built in Kulm.(Bild: Schulter Christian)

Locations in Dt. Schützen, Kukmirn and St. Michael are to be closed due to lack of profitability. Winegrowers criticize relocation of winegrowing expertise to Kulm.

Due to losses of 4.6 million euros in 2023, Lagerhaus Süd-Burgenland plans to close its locations in Kukmirn, St. Michael and Deutsch Schützen on June 30. However, a new wine-growing center is to be built at the current location of the Lagerhaus workshop in Kulm.

Mayor speaks of questionable decision 
The excitement is particularly great in the winegrowing Mecca of Dt. Schützen, as the branch with a focus on viticulture was considered the first port of call for winegrowers. The planned closure is a slap in the face, says Mayor Franz Wachter. He also questions the decision not to inform the municipality and winegrowers in advance, but to present them with a fait accompli. The head of the village also criticized the fact that the warehouse had turned down a possible takeover by employees.

Hope for a buyer for the site in Deutsch Schützen
Chairman Johann Weber says that they do not want to leave employees with a loss-making business. However, there is lively interest from buyers for the location in Deutsch Schützen.

Skewed optics due to dual function
Winegrower Thom Wachter is also skeptical about Johann Weber's dual role as mayor and chairman of the Lagerhaus. Weber does not want to accept this: Kulm was chosen because of its central location. With regard to the tighter branch structure, the hope is for more competence. While the focus in Kulm is on wine, Argar's expertise is to be expanded in Güssing.