Nitrogen leak at Fendt: Fire brigade on duty in Marktoberdorf

Nitrogen leak at Fendt: Fire brigade on duty in Marktoberdorf

On Monday, June 16, 2025, the fire department in Marktoberdorf was alerted after a nitrogen leak was detected in a production hall of the renowned agricultural machinery manufacturer Fendt. Police announced on Tuesday that a leaking nitrogen pipe was the cause. With a professional team of around 26 emergency services, consisting of the Marktoberdorf fire department and the factory fire department, the hall was cleared and ventilated in order to minimize possible risks. The fire brigade temporarily sealed the leak using respiratory protection. Fortunately, there were no injuries and, according to initial findings, the nitrogen leak was due to a technical defect. Allgäuer Zeitung reports on the rapid measures taken by the emergency services in this potentially dangerous situation.

But it's not just technical defects that are currently troubling Fendt. The agricultural machinery manufacturer, which employs more than 6,100 people in Marktoberdorf and is considered the market leader for tractors in Germany, also faces challenging market conditions. After the agricultural technology industry experienced a boom phase in recent years, the first signs of a market cooling are now emerging. Global demand for agricultural machinery has fallen, especially for attachments. This segment is more affected than tractors, as mentioned in a report by Wochenblatt. In order to respond to these developments, Fendt is initially planning temporary measures such as short-time work at some locations, including Marktoberdorf.

Market development and production restrictions

The persistent decline in willingness to invest among farmers is seen as one of the causes of the current market situation. This problem also has an impact on the production adjustments of manufacturers, who have to design their processes flexibly due to the declining demand. The decline is partly attributed to a lack of political perspectives, which is likely to become even clearer in view of an upcoming discussion at the German Farmers' Day in Cottbus.

Despite these challenges, Fendt remains in a relatively stable position, especially in the tractor segment. The Federal Environment Agency informs that the nitrogen problem, which also plays an important role in agriculture, has changed over the years. An excess of nitrogen can lead to environmental pollution that can affect not only soil and water, but also air quality. The industry wants to take appropriate measures to improve the efficiency of nitrogen use in order to meet legal requirements.

Overall, Fendt, a company that has enormous importance for the region and produces numerous tractors every year, is faced with the challenge of successfully mastering both technical problems and market-related adjustments. While a technical emergency was managed at the site in Marktoberdorf, it is important to take a look at future developments in the agricultural technology industry and react proactively to them. The committed employees and management will do everything in their power to keep Fendt as a strong partner in agriculture.