Future of the ZF plants in Koblenz uncertain: workforce cuts are imminent!

Future of the ZF plants in Koblenz uncertain: workforce cuts are imminent!

What is actually going on at ZF in Ahrweiler and the planned new location in Niederzissen? A reassessment of the move is pending, and the future of both plants is clouded by a number of uncertain factors. Again SWR reported, both the existing plant in Ahrweiler and the new production facility in Niederzissen are currently not particularly profitable. The main problem: the employees are not working to capacity.

The ongoing sales crisis on the European car market is also hitting supplier companies like ZF hard. The board member Peter Holdmann has made it clear that the plants are not competitive under the changed market conditions. In the worst case scenario, this could also result in staff reductions at other locations, such as Koblenz.

Flood disaster and economic conditions

The flood night of 2021 left noticeable traces. The water was up to two meters high in the ZF factory in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. This catastrophe led to the decision to relocate the factory to Niederzissen, as the location in the Ahr Valley was from then on considered to be at risk of flooding. But since then, the economic situation of the automotive industry has changed drastically. The planned move into the new location in Niederzissen, originally planned for 2026, is now becoming increasingly questionable.

A sharp decline in European car production, expected to be 30% in 2025 compared to 2018, does not make business any easier. In addition, the Ahrweiler plant, which employs around 200 people, suffers from overcapacity and rising production costs. The Association of the Automotive Industry emphasizes that the industry is undergoing noticeable upheaval, characterized by new competitors and a more volatile trading climate.

Future of the Niederzissen location uncertain

The IG Metall union has expressed criticism of the company's possible decision to sell the Niederzissen site entirely. An outright sale could mean that another company would take over both the plant and the workforce. Currently, employer and employee representatives appear to be exploring various options for the future of the plant, including the possibility of integrating new products to increase utilization.

The uncertainty is great; the new location could make losses even with a reduced workforce. One wonders whether a viable solution can be found by the first half of 2026. Although ZF has acknowledged its location after the flood disaster and plans to keep employment in the region, the long-term perspective is extremely unclear.

• Herausforderungen für ZF
  • Unzureichende Auslastung der Mitarbeitenden
  • Wachsende Produktionskosten und Überkapazitäten
  • Schwächelnde Automobilmärkte in Europa
• Zukunftsperspektiven
  • Erhöhung der Auslastung soll gemeinsam mit Betriebsrat und Belegschaft analysiert werden
  • Möglichkeit eines Verkaufs des neuen Werks wird erwogen

The German automotive industry is not only a key industry, but also an important job driver in Germany VDA emphasized. However, given current market developments, new answers and strategies are needed to ensure long-term competitiveness. Companies, employees and politicians are equally challenged here.

It remains to be seen what decisions ZF will make and how the plans for the Niederzissen location will continue. One thing is for sure: the stakes are high in this industry, and it won't be easy. The coming months will be crucial.