WAFIOS AG announces short-time work: E-mobility needs more funding!

WAFIOS AG announces short-time work: E-mobility needs more funding!

WAFIOS AG, a leading provider of wire and tube bending machines based in Reutlingen, has introduced short-time work due to declining order numbers. The company, which was founded in 1893 and employs 750 people, achieved sales of 189.3 million euros in 2023. During a visit by Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs, Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, WAFIOS boss Uwe-Peter Weigmann emphasized the need for clear political signals and more incentives for the industry in order to strengthen competitiveness, especially in the area of ​​e-mobility. Mercury reports that Weigmann is concerned about the slow development of e-mobility in Germany.

“Germany must not be left behind,” says Weigmann, who at the same time emphasizes the great potential of electromobility for WAFIOS, but points out difficulties due to lower funding rates compared to competitors. Despite these challenges, the company is committed to Germany as its main location, while additional production facilities are located in Portugal, China and Brazil. However, in the context of production relocation, some companies, such as Pepperl+Fuchs, have already decided to relocate their production abroad.

Industry's ability to transform

The minister visited WAFIOS and the company Innomotics, which is also considered an example of successful transformation. Innomotics is a leader in industrial efficiency, electrification, sustainability and digitalization. During the visits, Hoffmeister-Kraut emphasized the importance of direct discussions with companies in order to cope with the necessary structural change in the automotive industry. She notes that the sector is considered a key industry and emphasizes the high need for support offers in digitalization and skilled worker training. baden-wuerttemberg.de adds that the state promotes transformation networks and that over 40 partners work together in the state pilot office at e-mobil BW to support qualification, networking and knowledge transfer.

“The automotive industry is facing profound structural change,” explains the minister. This requires companies to take new initiatives to be future-ready. WAFIOS has decided to advance the development and production of electromobility solutions with a new e-mobility campus and has been adapting its portfolio to future technologies such as hairpins and power rails for eight years. Support through various initiatives and funding programs is intended to accompany companies in Baden-Württemberg on this path. wm.baden-wuerttemberg.de emphasizes that the federal government also promotes regional transformation networks in the automotive industry in order to actively shape the future of the industry.

Overall, these developments show that the commitment and innovative strength of companies, coupled with political support, are crucial in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market and to successfully integrate new technologies.