German automotive supplier Schaeffler plans to eliminate 3,460 positions across Europe and close five sites as it reshapes its operations amid mounting pressure on the car industry. The company said on Tuesday that 2,660 of the job reductions would be in Germany, where four locations are due to shut; a fifth closure is planned in Belgium.
The restructuring will affect 16 European locations. About half of the planned cuts are in production, 30% in research and development and 20% in other functions. Most of the measures are expected to be carried out in 2027 and 2028.
The German sites named for closure are Dortmund, Morbach, Berlin and Schwalbach. Around 430 people work at the Dortmund plant, according to WDR. The planned Belgian closure concerns the Herstal site.
Schaeffler cited weaker demand for components used in combustion-engine vehicles, a slower-than-expected expansion of electric mobility and intensifying competition as reasons for the programme. The announcement adds to pressure on Germany’s automotive supply chain as suppliers adjust capacity to changing demand and technology.
The company expects the measures to improve annual earnings by about 300 million euros from 2030. One-off restructuring costs are estimated at roughly 480 million euros. Schaeffler said it intends to implement the changes in consultation with employee representatives and in a socially responsible manner.
