Automotive supplier Magna plans to close its plant in Dorfprozelten (Lower Franconia) in mid-2027. Plant management informed the 216 employees of the decision in mid-July 2026. The facility manufactures exterior and rearview mirrors, but the corporation no longer sees a viable economic future for it. The company cites negative market and business trends—persisting despite investments and cost-cutting measures—as the reasons. The closure is set to occur roughly a year and a half before the agreed-upon expiration of site protection guarantees and also affects the municipality, which has a population of 1,750.
Magna Ends Site Preservation Plan Much Earlier Than Planned
As early as March 2023, the company had intended to completely close the site by mid-2025. In response, the workforce and the IG Metall union organized warning strikes and a regional day of action. Politicians and local authorities also supported negotiations regarding the site’s continued operation. In July 2023, both sides finally agreed on a new plan for the location.
Image: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The framework agreement guaranteed at least 250 jobs through the end of 2028. In exchange, however, the workforce accepted extensive workforce adjustments and voluntary departure programs. The plant was slated to receive new technologies, additional products, and follow-up orders. Today, the workforce stands at 216 employees—already below the guaranteed minimum level.
Union disputes company’s rationale
Magna states that the measures taken to date failed to create a viable future for the site. “Despite financial investments and cost-cutting measures implemented in recent years, long-term viability could not be sustained,” a spokesperson said. However, the IG Metall union disputes the claim that this development was inevitable. It accuses management of failing to deliver the promised work, equipment, and orders.
According to the union, the Dorfprozelten plant also failed to receive new products from other corporate locations. Furthermore, management discontinued the planned market segment for overhead consoles. The core LC mirror glass technology also failed to reach the stage of mass production readiness. According to IG Metall, significant funding from the state of Bavaria was allocated for its development, though the specific amount has not been disclosed.
Dorfprozelten Loses Key Industrial Employer
For Dorfprozelten, the closure means the loss of a major industrial employer. Mayor Elisabeth Steger therefore described the news as “dramatic” and a “blow to the families.” The municipality also stands to lose trade tax revenue. However, there are limited comparable industrial jobs available in the immediate vicinity.
This case is part of widespread job cuts among German automotive suppliers. At the end of the third quarter of 2025, the automotive industry employed 48,700 fewer people than a year earlier. Employment among parts and accessories manufacturers fell by as much as 11.1 percent, dropping to just under 235,400 workers. The IG Metall union therefore plans to discuss next steps at a members’ meeting. It is demanding solutions from Magna that address time and financial support for those affected.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: IG Metall Aschaffenburg (Stand:16.07.26) – BR24 (14.07.26) – Produktion (14.07.26) – Industrie Magazin (14.07.26)