Jungheinrich Closes Production in Lüneburg - Jungheinrich to Shut Lüneburg Plant by 2027 After Union Deal

Jungheinrich has reached an agreement with labour union IG Metall to close its Lüneburg plant by March 2027. The deal follows an 80-day dispute over job cuts and includes severance packages for affected workers. The company reported strong profits last year but is pushing ahead with cost-saving measures.

The closure of the Lüneburg facility will result in 160 job losses, with a further 220 cuts planned across other sites as part of a broader cost-cutting programme. Jungheinrich announced last summer that it would eliminate around 1,000 jobs globally. The Lüneburg plant specialises in custom and small-batch forklifts, but production will cease entirely by early 2027.

IG Metall criticised the decision, arguing that the closure was unnecessary given the company's financial health. Jungheinrich reported a profit of €289 million in 2024, with revenues nearing €5.4 billion. Despite this, the firm has moved forward with restructuring plans.

The agreement includes severance payments and the creation of a transfer company to help displaced employees find new roles. IG Metall described the deal as worth tens of millions of euros, though it maintains that the plant's shutdown is a strategic error rather than an economic necessity.

The Lüneburg plant will close by the end of March 2027, affecting 160 workers directly. Severance packages and job transition support have been secured under the new agreement. Jungheinrich's cost-cutting programme continues, with further reductions expected across its global operations.