Ford relocates spare parts production: Cologne employees remain protected!

Ford relocates spare parts production: Cologne employees remain protected!

Ford has decided to move the production of spare parts from Cologne to Saarlouis. This change is expected to be carried out by the end of 2026. Works council chief Benjamin Gruschka said that the 120 employees who are currently working in Cologne will receive alternative positions in the factory that are tailored to their qualifications and employment contracts. Positions in the European Spare Part Center in Cologne-Merkenich, production and maintenance are available. Gruschka assured that "none will become unemployed" and confirmed that operating terminations are excluded by the end of 2032.

In the context of this decision, it is important to mention that the focus ends in the Saarlouis plant in November 2025. Despite the closure of the assembly unit, no successor or investor who could take over the production was found. Nevertheless, a future remains secured for the approximately 1,000 employees who are employed at work. A recent decision between management and employee representatives in February this year secured the jobs. At that time there were still around 3850 employees in the company. To facilitate the transition, severance payments of around 200,000 euros were offered to offer employees who want to leave the company.

The expansion of the spare parts production in Saarlouis is viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the production capacities there. This new orientation means that spare parts production in Saarlouis will be more extensive than the previous activity in Cologne. Ford thus relies on a strategic realignment to meet the challenges on the market and to increase the efficiency in the production of spare parts.

Overall, the changes are important for both the workforce in Cologne and in Saarlouis. In view of the planned relocation of tasks, it is important to observe the Situation closely. Compliance with the agreements regarding job security plays a central role in this transition phase. According to Gruschka, if you want, you can prepare for future job opportunities in the new structure with confidence. Details on this topic are in a recent report on www.rundschau-online.de to read.