Massive job cuts at EMAG: 455 jobs at risk!

Massive job cuts at EMAG: 455 jobs at risk!

EMAG, an established mechanical engineering company, announced on November 9, 2025 that it would cut 455 jobs at its German locations. For the workforce in Salach, the headquarters in Baden-Württemberg, this means the loss of 300 jobs. This measure is part of a response to the tense economic situation in the industry, which is characterized by weak demand and geopolitical uncertainties. Mercury highlights that EMAG, known for manufacturing machine tools, supplying the automotive industry and other mechanical engineering companies, is forced to take these drastic steps to ensure the future viability of the company.

The job cuts at EMAG are not the first signal of the tense situation in mechanical engineering. The workforce has already been reduced in the past by cutting 124 jobs in the previous year. However, IG Metall vehemently criticizes the current process and the fact that the works council negotiated without the support of the union. This was perceived as reckless and quick. Offers of support were rejected by the works council, which severely impaired the basis for discussions and the participation of the workforce, reports IG Metall.

Lack of severance pay and future prospects

A central point of criticism is that the social plan to mitigate the consequences of job cuts only provides for a change to a transfer company. There are no plans for severance pay, which means that many of the affected employees will be laid off into an uncertain future. The social plan was only presented to the workforce on November 5th, which further increased the emotional and economic turmoil. IG Metall is therefore not only demanding a fair solution for employees, but also the preservation of industrial strengths, especially in a region that is heavily dependent on investments in mechanical engineering.

From an economic point of view, mechanical engineering in Germany is a real engine that employs more than 950,000 people Statista represents. At the same time, the industry is an innovation leader in areas such as artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0, but is currently facing challenges that are resulting in a decline in production and sales. Sales in 2024 fell to approximately 254 billion euros, clearly underlining the uncertainties in this industrially important sector.

Call for solidarity

In response to the latest developments, IG Metall is planning a rally in the pedestrian zone of Geislingen on November 22nd. The aim is to protest against collective bargaining and job losses while at the same time emphasizing the importance of co-determination and social security in the industry. The union also hopes that this protest will generate broad support from the population in order to draw attention to the challenges facing mechanical engineering in Germany.

It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether EMAG and other mechanical engineering companies will take the necessary steps to ensure not only their economic stability, but also that of their employees.