Thyssenkrupp Wadern-Lockweiler: HR reduction threatens the future of the region

Thyssenkrupp Wadern-Lockweiler: HR reduction threatens the future of the region

The aluminum industry in Saarland is faced with a difficult phase, since the supplier Thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions is also affected in a long-range downsizing. The effects of this step could be serious for the Hochwald region, since the company has been a central employer for over 120 years.

Inspections and expectations of IG Metall

Thorsten Dellmann, the second representative of IG Metall Saarbrücken, has decided against ThyssenKrupp's corporate strategy. He demands immediate information and clear answers for the employees to secure the future of the important location of Wadern-Lockweiler and its approximately 1,000 employees. IG Metall criticizes the subjective plan to move production abroad while demand decreases on site, and sees the existence of numerous jobs.

Background of HR reduction

As communicated by Thyssenkrupp, 400 positions are affected nationwide, whereby the exact reduction numbers at the Wadern-Lockweiler location are still unclear. The reason for the incisions lies primarily in the competition with cheaper manufacturers from abroad, which increasingly have great knowledge of the production of body facilities. The management plans investments abroad and wants to expand existing locations in countries such as Portugal, Poland and India.

Meaning for the High Walment

Thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions plays a key role in vocational training, since since 1961 over 1200 apprentices and students have been successfully trained in trade professions, such as industrial merchant and tool mechanic. Despite the upcoming changes, the company tries to win more women for these professions. In the long run, this could help increase the number of specialists, which is essential for the survival of industries in the region.

Future view

The closure and shift of jobs could not only affect the economic stability of the high-whale region, but also the social structure of the people living there. Dellmann notes that the future of the high forest is at stake and encourages the employees and the community to work to maintain their jobs. In summary, it remains to be seen how the developments at Thyssenkrupp have an impact and what steps are taken to cushion potential effects of the upcoming changes.