Swiss automotive multinational company Feintool has announced the closure of its plant in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and the relocation of its production to Tokod, in northern Hungary.
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The move is expected to enhance cost efficiency, saving the company approximately EUR 16 million annually.
However, it also results in the loss of 200 jobs in Germany, raising concerns about the country’s diminishing appeal as a manufacturing hub.
"The Feintool Group is facing major challenges in its European business for electric motors, due to several factors: political uncertainty in relation to electromobility and the transition to renewable energies, as well as an economic downturn in the industrial business," the company said.
"These unfavorable conditions have led to a slowdown or decline in sales of electric vehicles in some markets and the industrial business for electric motors is facing a sharp drop in turnover.
"Car manufacturers and their suppliers developed overcapacities, resulting in individual programs for battery electric vehicles being postponed, reduced in volume or cancelled.
"In response to the ongoing strained order and earnings situation, the Board of Directors and the Executive Board of Feintool International Holding AG decided at their meeting on December 2, 2024 to realign the footprint of the Business Unit Stamping, which specializes in electrolamination stamping.
"The Business Unit Stamping includes the sites in Sachsenheim, Vaihingen and Jessen in Germany and the Tokod site in Hungary.
"As part of the realignment of the business unit, its management, the competence centers for research and development and toolmaking as well as the highly automated automotive production will be pooled in Vaihingen (DE), located in proximity to Sachsenheim (DE).
"The unprofitable production in Sachsenheim – mainly due to external economic factors and the current conditions in Germany – will mainly be relocated to Tokod (H) and the Sachsenheim site will subsequently be closed. The transfer of production to the state-of-the-art plant in Tokod will ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business.
"This realignment, which is subject to the consultation of employee representatives, would preserve a total of around 250 of the current 450 workplaces in Sachsenheim and Vaihingen.
"Feintool plans to implement the relocation in a socially responsible manner. The existing Feintool plant in Jessen (DE) is also affected by the realignment to a lesser extent.
Hungary’s competitive advantages, including lower energy costs, a more supportive economic environment, and proximity to growing automotive markets in Central and Eastern Europe, have made it an increasingly attractive destination for manufacturers.
The relocation reflects a broader trend of companies seeking cost-effective production bases outside of Western Europe. ■
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