Crisis resistance in Oberpullendorf: plastic in demand for the automotive industry!

Crisis resistance in Oberpullendorf: plastic in demand for the automotive industry!

In Oberpullendorf, the company Kromberg & Schubert, a leading provider of wiring systems for the automotive industry, has demonstrated its resilience. Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, supply chain problems and high energy costs, the company is determined to retain its current workforce of 270 employees at the Oberpullendorf location. Commercial plant manager Alexander Martna emphasizes that the drop in demand from German customers will not lead to staff cuts, even for next year 2025. This positive outlook is partially supported by the decline in sales, as not all car brands are affected by this difficulty.

Stable future despite challenges

The development in the automotive industry shows bright spots: The past 2023 financial year was the first year for Kromberg & Schubert without any serious crisis situations, which led to annual sales of over 1.5 billion euros. According to Martna, while automobile manufacturers are trying to clear up the production backlogs, it is to be expected that the new vehicle generations and the growing e-mobility will generate additional orders. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense. Martna warned of uncertainties in energy markets, heightened by geopolitical tensions, including the Ukraine war.

In Siegendorf, however, the electronics company Melecs, which employs around 530 people, has to react to weaker demand. Managing director Bernhard Pulferer explained that despite planned layoffs of 20 employees, the location was not at risk. The decline in sales of around three percent for 2023 and 2024 will be mitigated by a diverse product range that covers not only the automotive industry, but also household appliances and industrial needs. This diversification is crucial in order to remain stable even in times of crisis, as in the press is described.