Porsche closes Cellforce: 200 jobs in Kirchentellinsfurt at risk!

Porsche closes Cellforce: 200 jobs in Kirchentellinsfurt at risk!

Porsche is drastically downsizing its battery subsidiary Cellforce, and times are tough for the majority of employees. According to information from HNA, around 200 of the 286 employees are to be laid off. This was confirmed by a mass layoff notice that had already been submitted to the employment agency in Reutlingen. The mayor of Reutlingen, Thomas Keck, and the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), Johannes Schwörer, have already asked the federal government for support. In a letter to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, they demand government loans or equity capital to maintain jobs and the location.

It looks like only a small research and development unit could remain in Kirchentellinsfurt. HNA reports that the federal government is taking the project seriously and wants to strengthen battery production in Germany and Europe. So far, state funding of around 56 million euros has been approved for Cellforce's establishment in 2021, with 30 percent of this coming from the state of Baden-Württemberg.

The situation is anything but rosy: Porsche boss Oliver Blume is under pressure, especially because of his dual role at Porsche and VW. The company recently experienced a profit decline of over 70 percent, which only reinforces the need to rethink its production strategy. According to Zeit, Porsche plans to scale down its ambitions for its own battery production and instead rely on external providers such as CATL and LG.

The loss of a hope

Many considered Cellforce to be a key factor in the electrification of Porsche models, but progress in this area has noticeably slowed down. The once ambitious plans for larger production in Tübingen failed because legal hurdles immobilized the expansion of the battery cell unit. In recent months there have also been reports of interest from defense companies in using Cellforce to develop batteries for military drones; however, it is unclear how these considerations affect employees.

The tense situation also resulted in the establishment of a works council, which was only launched two weeks ago. The elections for this are still pending, and many of the employees have little hope of a job guarantee, as is usual at the parent company Porsche. The upcoming works meeting, which was scheduled for Monday, could provide the first answers to the employees' pressing questions.

Overall, Cellforce symbolizes Porsche's electrified future. The withdrawal from autonomous battery production is more than just a hard cut; It could represent a deep turning point in Porsche's ambitious future plans and put the Baden-Württemberg region in an economically uncertain situation. We can only hope that a solution can be found quickly to secure jobs.

For detailed information, the reports from HNA, Zeit and Tagesschau can be consulted: HNA reports, Time informed, Tagesschau clarifies.