Bietigheim-Bissingen – Job cuts at Dürr are affecting around 500 employees worldwide at its subsidiary, BBS Automation. The group announced the measure on July 22, 2026. In Germany, approximately 200 jobs will be eliminated across four locations: Garching, Hallbergmoos, Sonthofen, and Freiberg am Neckar. Weak orders from the automotive industry and lower market expectations are forcing Dürr to reorganize. The reduction process will take place in 2026 and 2027, with compulsory redundancies remaining a possibility. Additionally, the program aims to generate annual savings of around 30 million euros.
Job cuts at Dürr to affect four German sites
Dürr plans to consult with employee representatives regarding implementation in the near future. The company aims to carry out the job cuts without resorting to compulsory redundancies if possible; however, the machinery manufacturer explicitly does not rule out such measures. The group has not yet announced any specific plant closures in Germany.
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Sonthofen could be hit particularly hard, with up to 100 jobs potentially being cut there. This would mean that up to half of the total German job reductions would take place at this location. A Dürr spokesperson also noted that the plant has been operating at a loss for several years. BBS had only relocated from Blaichach to the former Voith site in Sonthofen in 2023.
Dürr writes down up to 100 million euros for BBS
Dürr is now recording an impairment charge of 90 to 100 million euros on the goodwill of BBS Automation. The group attributes this to weaker order intake during the first half of the year. It also lowered its revenue and earnings forecasts. Dürr anticipates additional restructuring costs of 40 to 50 million euros in 2026; approximately eight million euros of this amount was already incurred in the second quarter.
Long-term growth targets have also been significantly reduced. From 2030 onwards, Dürr now expects BBS to generate revenue of just over 600 million euros, down from a previous target of around 800 million euros. Nevertheless, the aim is for the adjusted operating margin to reach eight percent in the long term. Dürr also significantly lowered its revenue and earnings forecasts for the Industrial Automation division.
Automotive Industry Orders Fewer Production Systems
Many automakers and suppliers are currently taking a more cautious approach to investing in new manufacturing technology. The aim is to first increase the capacity utilization of existing production lines. Consequently, BBS is missing out on key orders for systems related to vehicles and electric powertrains. Furthermore, the electromobility sector has developed more slowly than anticipated at the time of the acquisition. At the same time, Dürr intends to shift its business focus more toward medical technology and other growth markets.
The job cuts at Dürr follow an earlier round of reductions; the group had previously announced the elimination of around 500 administrative positions, with more than half of these cuts affecting operations in Germany. Nevertheless, Dürr has now reaffirmed its group forecast for 2026. Order intake rose by 13 percent to €914 million in the second quarter, though revenue fell by two percent to €981 million.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: Business-Magazin Baden-Württemberg (25.07.26) – Bild (24.07.26) – Allgäuer Zeitung (23.07.26) – Produktion (23.07.26) – EQS (22.07.26)