Schaeffler to Close Two Berlin Sites, Putting Around 270 Jobs at Risk

Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler announced on Tuesday it will close its two Berlin development facilities — on Sickingenstraße in Moabit and Zitadellenweg in Spandau — as part of a sweeping restructuring programme. The company plans to cut around 3,460 jobs across Europe, of which approximately 2,660 are in Germany. According to the company, around 270 people work at the two Berlin locations. Altogether, four German sites will be closed, including the two in Berlin. All measures are planned for completion by 2028. IG Metall announced it will resist the closures and, according to the union, workers were caught off guard by the announcement. Critics have questioned the decision-making process, with voices at the company arguing it lacked democratic legitimacy. Experts have also warned that the closures risk eroding Germany's competence in electric-vehicle development at a time when the broader automotive industry is already under pressure.