Manufacturer SenerTec plans to cease production of combined heat and power (CHP) plants in Schweinfurt at the beginning of the year and relocate operations abroad. The Dutch parent company, BDR Thermea, has announced the closure of the manufacturing facility, but service operations will continue in Schweinfurt. This shifts the Schweinfurt site’s role, while the future of many employees’ jobs remains uncertain. (radiogong: 16.01.26)
Combined Heat and Power Plants and the Schweinfurt Site: Reasons for the Production Stoppage
BDR Thermea cites declining orders, fierce competition, and new regulations as the main drivers, as production at the Schweinfurt site can no longer be fully utilized. Therefore, the Schweinfurt site will lose its manufacturing operations, although it will continue to be a hub for technical expertise. The assembly of the combined heat and power plants will be moved to a European plant abroad, thus following a different cost and supply chain logic.
Bild: ©senertec.de
At the same time, the Dachs product line remains a core part of the portfolio because it is a key component in the planning of many operators. The company is therefore committed to ensuring continuity in spare parts and support. Operators should be able to continue operating their combined heat and power (CHP) systems reliably, even though production is no longer taking place in Schweinfurt.
Jobs in limbo: Talks with works council and union
Management has already informed the workforce, and discussions are now underway with the works council and union regarding potential solutions. Around 200 jobs are affected nationwide, 76 of them at the Schweinfurt site, making the social consequences easily quantifiable. Simultaneously, the company is exploring the possibility of transfers or retraining within the group to prevent the loss of every position.
This change is significant for the region because industrial manufacturing in the energy sector is considered a reliable pillar of the economy. Suppliers could also lose orders if production volumes shift. Nevertheless, some value creation will remain, as service processes are to be retained in Schweinfurt.
Dachs Remains in the Market: Service and Spare Parts to Continue
SenerTec is known for its Dachs systems, and this brand will continue to be supported despite the relocation of production. Spare parts will remain available, and according to the company, service will continue to be managed from Schweinfurt. This is important for operators because combined heat and power plants (CHP) rely on maintenance, diagnostics, and rapid repairs during continuous operation.
However, the relocation significantly alters the structure at the Schweinfurt site. While production is being phased out, the expertise in support and logistics will remain as a core component. Ultimately, for customers, the stability of response times and supply chains is crucial, as technical failures incur high costs.
BDR Thermea Focuses on Relocation: Consequences for the Market and Employees
BDR Thermea is placing its restructuring in a challenging environment, as investments are increasingly dependent on regulation and price levels. This particularly affects combined heat and power (CHP) plants, as projects are being postponed more frequently and suppliers are competing more aggressively on price. At the same time, efficiency demands are growing to ensure that CHP plants remain economically viable and viable in existing operations.
For many employees, the crucial factors will be the offers the company makes and how socially responsible the restructuring process is. The future of numerous jobs depends on whether transfers, training, or internal transfers are realistically implemented. The Schweinfurt site, too, is facing a transformation that extends far beyond a single production line.