Ensinger restructures its production sites in Germany

Ensinger is responding to a persistently difficult economic environment by adjusting staffing levels at its German sites. A weak domestic economy, a sluggish global economy and increasing competition from Asia are currently shaping the operating environment for the family-owned plastics processor.

Against this backdrop, the specialist in high-performance thermoplastics is realigning its production strategy. Ensinger plans to continue investing significantly in product development and in production facilities at its sites in Germany. The company’s German sites, with their strong technological expertise, will in future focus even more on innovative and complex products. By contrast, standard products that are exposed to intense price competition are to be manufactured predominantly at lower-cost locations in Europe over the coming years.

The planned measures affect the sites in Nufringen, Rottenburg-Ergenzingen and Cham, which together employ around 1,450 people. The adjustment of staffing levels will affect around 100 jobs spread across the three sites. Employee representatives have been involved throughout the process. Discussions with the works council are proceeding constructively, with the shared aim of making the reduction in headcount as socially responsible as possible.

“Compulsory redundancies should be avoided where possible and replaced, for example, by partial retirement schemes or other individually tailored solutions,” said Ulrike Deschka, Managing Director responsible for Human Resources. “Our goal is to safeguard the company's long-term competitiveness while at the same time dealing responsibly with the impact on the workforce.”