The Witzenmann Group, a manufacturer of flexible metal hoses, expansion joints, and piping systems for industrial and automotive applications, plans to cut approximately 230 jobs in Pforzheim. The company’s management negotiated with the union and works council to ensure that layoffs remain the exception. The Pforzheim site also includes Kieselbronn and Remchingen, where 1,650 employees currently work. (bnn: 29.01.26)
Voluntary reduction model aims to ease pressure on the Pforzheim site
The focus is on phased retirement, early retirement, and severance packages, as the company wants to make the downsizing socially responsible. However, a risk remains, as the plan only works if enough employees accept the offers. Head of Human Resources Christine Wüst explains: “With this supplementary collective bargaining agreement, we have created the conditions to base the necessary staff reduction on voluntary participation.” She thus outlines the core of the strategy, which is scheduled to be implemented by 2029.
The agreement was reached after lengthy negotiations between management, Südwestmetall (the employers’ association for the metal and electrical industries), the IG Metall union, and the works council. Both sides wanted a clear framework. A supplementary collective bargaining agreement will stipulate that certain collectively agreed benefits will be discontinued in 2026. Furthermore, the pay increase scheduled for spring will be postponed until October 2026.
Collective bargaining agreement combines cuts with investments
For many employees, the balance is crucial, as income reductions are immediately noticeable. Therefore, management is planning investments totaling €49 million for 2026 and 2027. A key focus will be on the new construction project in Buchbusch, and funds will also be invested in future-oriented technologies. These include applications in the hydrogen industry, energy-efficient building renovation, and semiconductors.
With this combination, Witzenmann aims to stabilize the business during its transformation, ensuring the Pforzheim site remains competitive. The timeline extends the reduction in workforce until 2029, allowing the company to manage it strategically. However, the demand for the voluntary programs remains crucial, as the commitment to avoid layoffs depends on them.
Unions insist on clear rules
IG Metall takes a pragmatic view of the agreement, as the step remains difficult for many affected employees. Tom Wolters, First Representative of IG Metall Pforzheim, says: “Of course, the pay cut is very painful for the employees at Witzenmann.” At the same time, he points to the responsibility for the industrial site and the necessity of continuing cooperation. This makes it clear that the union primarily wants to retain control over the implementation.
Südwestmetall also emphasizes the company’s importance to the region. Cornelia Koch, Managing Director of the Middle Upper Rhine-Enz district group, calls Witzenmann “one of the family businesses that form the backbone of the economy in Baden-Württemberg.” She also points to the company’s repeated commitment to the location. The agreement is intended to help sustain this commitment through the crisis.
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CEO Andreas Kämpfe sees the agreement as a signal during a critical phase. He says: “The agreement with our social partners is a strong signal for Witzenmann. It creates stability, strengthens the transformation, and allows us to act responsibly towards our workforce.” He thus links the restructuring to the goal of maintaining trust.
According to the company, the economic reasons lie in the economic slowdown in its European home market, while at the same time, production volumes for internal combustion engine components are declining. Added to this is a slow launch of new products, which is further dampening revenue growth. This combination has led to significant declines at Witzenmann GmbH, which is why the restructuring is now being accelerated. Because the Pforzheim site network is the focus, the implementation of the voluntary programs remains the key test.