Tuttlingen mourns the loss of 210 jobs: Smith & Nephew closes orthopedics division!

Tuttlingen mourns the loss of 210 jobs: Smith & Nephew closes orthopedics division!

The closure of Smith & Nephew's orthopedics division in Tuttlingen caused a stir in 2024, and now there are new developments. The location was finally closed on December 31, 2024, costing 210 employees their jobs. The decision to close was a strategic measure to optimize the production network and increase efficiency and competitiveness, reports schwaebische.de.

Some of the equipment will be relocated to other Smith & Nephew locations while the remainder will be offered for sale. The building on Alemannenstrasse is also for sale and negotiations are already underway with various investors. This closure is not completely unexpected: There were initial considerations of closing the location in 2021, but these were initially stopped due to protests from the workforce and the city of Tuttlingen.

Protests and solidarity

The closure sparked a wave of outrage among employees. At a recent event, Smith & Nephew employees actively protested the announced closure. Mayor Michael Beck and First Mayor Emil Buschle expressed their solidarity with the affected workers. Beck described the closure as a “devastating signal” for the city.

The works council and the IG Metall union held negotiations with the company's managing directors on the same day. During the lunch break, the employees gathered for a demonstration in the inner courtyard, supported by important representatives of IG Metall. Rainer Friedrich, the works council chairman, stressed the need to protest against the relocation of jobs to cheaper locations, and Beck recalled previous discussions about expansion plans.

Consequences of the closure

The impact of this closure is far-reaching. The individual and societal reality of unemployment is frightening; Studies show that long-term unemployed people struggle with significant psychological and health problems. Deskilling, social isolation and family tensions are common side effects. In particular, the unemployment rate in Germany has brought with it scintillating social challenges, as bpb.de explains.

For the 210 laid-off employees, the uncertainty is palpable. At each end the Christmas tree is preceded by the formation of preparation. The question is how they can assert themselves in the new labor market situation. Financial losses, insecurity and an increased risk of poverty are just some of the challenges they face. The risk of mental illness and health problems is significantly increased among unemployed people.

The closure of Smith & Nephew not only raises questions about the future of its 210 employees, but also shows how important it is to support local businesses and maintain jobs in the region. The city of Tuttlingen has sharpened its slogans for perseverance and would like to offer its employees encouraging prospects while at the same time fighting to preserve jobs.