Bosch closes factory in Waiblingen: 560 jobs at risk!

Bosch closes factory in Waiblingen: 560 jobs at risk!

Bosch has decided to close its Waiblingen factory by the end of 2028. This decision, announced in early October 2025, affects around 560 jobs. The closure comes in the context of broader job cuts that will affect around 22,000 jobs in Germany by the end of 2030. The automotive supply sector in Waiblingen has lost a lot of production in recent years, and the factory currently only produces connecting parts for combustion engines and electric cars. This is a clear indication of the growing pressure facing the German automotive industry, where almost seven percent of jobs have been lost within a year.

Like the editorial team of ZDF Reportedly, the company's managers have stated that costs are cheaper in Asia, which is why production should be relocated there. Bosch board member Jan-Oliver Röhrl explained that alternatives for the Waiblingen location were examined, but no competitive solutions could be found. The works council's criticism of the management decisions is loud daily news clear, calling for greater support to defend jobs.

Economic and social consequences

The closure of the Waiblingen plant not only has an impact on the affected employees. Mayor Sebastian Wolf expressed clear concern about the economic consequences for the city. He warned that the closure could lead to a decline in business tax revenue and purchasing power. This aspect shows how closely the economic situation of a company is linked to the community.

The situation in the automotive industry is also causing worrying developments. Employees are increasingly moving to the booming defense industry, further exacerbating the challenges faced by automotive suppliers. The works council and IG Metall have announced that they will resist the massive job cuts, which will affect not only production but also central operational functions in cities such as Stuttgart-Feuerbach, Schwieberdingen and Bühl.

Strategies and outlooks

Bosch Mobility plans annual savings of 2.5 billion euros. To achieve these goals, various measures are being taken, including the use of artificial intelligence, reducing material and material costs and reducing investments. Redundancies for operational reasons are currently excluded until 2027. Instead, employees should, where possible, leave voluntarily, often supported by severance payments.

The challenges facing Bosch and the entire automotive industry cannot be overlooked. Around 9,000 jobs in the mobility sector have already been cut in the industry since the beginning of 2024, and the prospects do not give hope that this situation will improve any time soon.