The automotive supplier ZF is facing drastic downsizing in Schweinfurt. Up to 4,000 jobs in Bavaria are at risk. This poses an enormous challenge for the region, as the future of thousands of families depends on ZF. (merkur: 28.08.25)
High debt forces job cuts
Automotive supplier ZF employs around 160,000 people worldwide. Despite its size, the company is deeply in the red. According to BR, its debt burden exceeds ten billion euros. The global market situation is further exacerbating the situation, making the planned job cuts unavoidable.
To return to profitability, the company is relying on programs with names like “Performance Program” or “Restructuring Course.” But for many, these terms imply only one thing: the threat of large-scale job losses. For employees, the announced restructuring represents a real slash that will be difficult to mitigate.
Slashing in Schweinfurt: Thousands of Jobs at Risk
At the Schweinfurt site, 8,600 people depend on ZF’s orders. According to a company press release from July, the current restructuring is the “most comprehensive in the company’s history.” The magnitude of this statement demonstrates the seriousness of the situation.
CEO Dr. Holger Klein stated at the 2025 half-year results: “We are aware that we are demanding a lot from the people at ZF. We are acting with great responsibility and as socially acceptable as possible. But it is also clear that our industry is in a historically difficult situation, which is making our turnaround difficult.” For many employees, these words sound like confirmation of impending job cuts and thousands of job losses.
Negotiations on job cuts and job losses
IG Metall and the works council are currently negotiating the extent of the cuts. According to the BR, the central works council expects 3,000 to 4,000 jobs to be eliminated. This magnitude would represent a severe blow not only for Schweinfurt, but for the entire Lower Franconia region.
Jobs in Bavaria, where ZF is one of the largest employers, are particularly affected. The cuts would have far-reaching consequences for the regional economy. Suppliers and service providers dependent on the automotive supplier ZF could also face difficulties. This threatens a domino effect leading to additional job losses.
Region fears for jobs in Bavaria
Uncertainty among employees is growing daily. Many families in Schweinfurt are directly dependent on jobs at ZF in Bavaria. A cut of this magnitude would not only weaken purchasing power but also endanger the region’s social stability.
Although management emphasizes that the measures are being designed to be as socially acceptable as possible, fears of massive job losses remain. Only after the negotiations have concluded will it become clear how many jobs will actually be lost at the automotive supplier ZF. But it is already clear that the Schweinfurt site will be significantly less important due to the planned job cuts.