BorgWarner has announced extensive layoffs at its Darmstadt and Langen sites. Hundreds of jobs are at risk. This move hits southern Hesse particularly hard, as the region’s automotive industry is already suffering from declining orders. The planned layoffs not only mean personal hardships, but also a severe blow to economic stability. (hessenschau: 08.09.25)
IG Metall criticizes BorgWarner plans
According to IG Metall, BorgWarner currently employs around 800 people in southern Hesse. About 500 of these work at the plant, and around 300 at the Battery Technology Center (BTC). Nearly 345 jobs are to be eliminated, affecting almost half of the workforce. The engineering department at the BTC and production in Langen would be particularly affected.
The union warns of the consequences for the automotive industry. Daniel Bremm, Managing Director of IG Metall Darmstadt, stated: “This is not only a slap in the face for the employees, but for the entire South Hesse region.” The works council shares this criticism and does not intend to passively accept layoffs.
Acquisition of Akasol and New Problems
The US company BorgWarner acquired the battery specialist Akasol in Darmstadt in 2021. Akasol was originally founded by a team of solar engineers from the Technical University of Darmstadt. The acquisition was intended to strengthen electromobility. However, a significant setback now threatens, as jobs are being lost, particularly in battery research.
For the South Hesse region, this means more than just job cuts. The planned layoffs also put part of the automotive industry’s innovative strength at risk. Many employees have worked for years on projects that were considered groundbreaking worldwide.
The company points to tense markets
BorgWarner cites the difficult order situation as the reason for the planned job cuts. Daimler Trucks and Volvo, in particular, have placed fewer orders. The general situation in the automotive industry is also considered tense. According to the company’s management, the two locations cannot be secured long-term without reducing jobs.
For the employees, this means an uncertain future. Many of them see the planned layoffs as a breach of trust. After all, electromobility has so far been considered a growth driver, not a risk.
Resistance is forming in South Hesse
IG Metall and the works council are preparing protests. The goal is to prevent or at least mitigate the massive job cuts. Support is also expected from politicians, as South Hesse is heavily dependent on the automotive industry.
The coming months will determine whether BorgWarner will stick to the layoffs or open up alternative negotiations. For South Hesse and the region’s automotive industry, this is about far more than just numbers: It’s about economic stability and the future of an entire industry.