Weru stops in Rudersberg: floods cause job losses!

Weru stops in Rudersberg: floods cause job losses!

Weru, the window and door manufacturer based in Rudersberg, is facing fundamental changes after the devastating effects of the once-in-a-century flood in June 2024. The flood disaster that affected the Wieslauftal not only led to massive damage to the production halls, but also to an estimated total loss of around 120 million euros. The situation is putting a strain on the entire workforce of 150 employees, as Weru has now made the decision to relocate production from Rudersberg to Thuringia. Managing directors Tobias Pfoh, Frank Fleissner and Adnan Cuk defended themselves in a statement against accusations that pointed to a possible final relocation of production and emphasized that they want to remain in the region despite the challenges.

Machinery and vehicles were swept away by the flood, resulting in significant production losses. A year after the disaster, the entire ground floor of the company headquarters is still unrenovated, which further complicates the situation. Managing directors find themselves in a critical position as they have to keep an eye on both the future of the company and that of their employees.

Economic impact of the flood

The economic consequences of floods are complex and not only have a direct impact on infrastructure. According to a study by the German GeoResearch Center, which analyzed the effects of the flood event in Germany in 2013, there is a significant relationship between direct and indirect damage. This study shows that the damage caused by natural disasters often exceeds the damage to buildings and can have an indirect impact on the entire economy.

In particular, direct damages are estimated to be in the range of 1.5 to 2.1 billion euros, while indirect damages are estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.6 billion euros. Therefore, it is no surprise that Weru, as a local company, is suffering from these difficult conditions.

Rudersberg, a charming community with around 11,500 residents, is facing particular challenges due to the relocation of production and the associated job losses. The company's representatives are now faced with the task of supporting the remaining employees while at the same time setting the course for a sustainable future.

In summary, the Weru situation in Rudersberg shows that the effects of natural disasters extend beyond the immediate financial damage and can force companies to make far-reaching decisions in order to survive economically.