Bosch job cuts in Waiblingen: investments necessary for the future!

Bosch job cuts in Waiblingen: investments necessary for the future!

On September 30, 2025, the focus will be on the current situation at Bosch and the challenges the company is facing. At the first industry day in Waiblingen it became clear how profound the job cuts in the company are: over 3,000 jobs, especially in the automotive division, are affected. Bosch also announced extensive cost-cutting measures in the areas of power tools and household appliances (BSH). It didn't take long for the workforce to react; On March 20, 25,000 employees nationwide gathered in front of factories to protest against the announcements.

The focus of the discussion in Waiblingen was the delays in renovations and the lack of investment in modern machines in Germany, while at the same time billions are being invested in new systems abroad, especially in Thailand. The works council chairman Stefano Mazzei was critical and emphasized the need for a rethink in company policy. The panel discussion also addressed the slowdown in investment times in Germany, while large companies are increasingly investing in Asia and the USA. According to KulturZeit there is a consensus among the speakers: Homework needs to be done in order to strengthen trust in Germany as a location.

Investment plans and future prospects

Although the announcements of job cuts are worrying, Bosch is planning large investments in German locations. Four billion euros are to be invested in the mobility business area by 2027. These funds are used for machines, systems and research and development. In addition, around 700 million euros will flow into further training for employees in the mobility sector. This is partly in response to the transformation to e-mobility, which is making certain job profiles obsolete, as company representatives explain.

Stihl, another participant in the discussion, describes itself as a “global player with regional roots” and highlights the sustainable investments in Waiblingen. A new production site for battery manufacturing was recently inaugurated, with planning starting in 2023. The message is clear: investments abroad should not only benefit the company itself, but also the employees employed in Germany. Despite all the challenges, the speakers emphasize the excellent framework conditions in Germany, which exist apart from the current difficulties. Good universities, qualified specialists and a cosmopolitan society offer potential for future growth.

Labor market and training

The labor market situation in Germany is positive overall. A record level of 45.8 million people in employment is expected in 2024, with the unemployment rate in Baden-Württemberg currently at 4.5 percent. The training rate is rising back to the pre-Corona level. Markus Höfliger emphasizes that the demand for employees exceeds the availability and that Generation Z is by no means unmotivated. This assessment highlights the need for qualified workers in the future.

In summary, it can be said that the Industry Day in Waiblingen had both the challenges and opportunities for companies like Bosch on the agenda. Senior employees and company representatives agreed that it is time to take action to keep Germany competitive in the future. Adjustments are necessary in order to exploit the existing potential and successfully shape industrial change.