Protest against plant closures at Staedtler - Staedtler to Close Two Bavarian Factories by 2028 Amid Job Cuts

Staedtler has announced plans to indeed close two factories in Bavaria by 2028. The company will move production from Neumarkt and Sugenheim to its main site in Nuremberg and a facility in Poland. Workers and unions have already staged protests against the decision.

The company aims to streamline operations by consolidating its German plants into the Nuremberg headquarters. Over €50 million will be invested in modernising and expanding the site. Additional production will also shift to a Polish facility, part of a broader cost-cutting strategy.

Around 400 jobs are expected to be cut or relocated as a result. Staedtler claims affected employees will be offered equivalent roles in Nuremberg. However, the IG Metall union criticised the lack of concrete relocation plans for workers from Neumarkt and Sugenheim.

Protests took place recently, with about 180 participants voicing concerns over job losses. Staedtler left the industry's collective bargaining association in 2019, a move that added to tensions. The company insists the changes will improve profitability and revenue.

Other Franconian manufacturers, including Stabilo and Faber-Castell, are facing similar challenges. Weak consumer demand, rising costs, and stronger competition have put pressure on the entire usajobs sector.

The closures will see production fully centralised in Nuremberg and Poland by 2028. Staedtler's investment in modernisation comes alongside job cuts and relocation offers. Unions continue to demand clearer guarantees for affected employees.