Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Schaeffler, a German industrial and automotive supplier, has announced the reduction of approximately 1,300 positions across its German operations. The workforce reduction is scheduled to begin this year, although no specific completion date has been announced.
The measure is intended to reduce costs and improve the company’s competitiveness in response to challenging market conditions and stagnant sales.
The job cuts will be implemented through partial retirement schemes (Altersteilzeit) aimed at employees born in or before 1971. Under these arrangements, employees work reduced hours and receive adjusted pay for a period of between two and eight years, followed by a phase during which they continue to receive compensation while no longer actively working. Participation is entirely voluntary and requires the agreement of both the employee and their respective line manager.
The programme has been agreed with the works council. Schaeffler implemented a similar measure in 2024, which resulted in approximately 2,800 job cuts Schaeffler 2024 - DE. The company had also announced a workforce reduction of 74 positions in Ingolstadt in early 2026 Schaeffler 2026 - DE.
Schaeffler employs around 110,000 people worldwide.
Eurofound (2026), Schaeffler, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 300853, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/300853.
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