Hella closes FWB plastic technology: 132 jobs in Pirmasens in danger!

Hella closes FWB plastic technology: 132 jobs in Pirmasens in danger!

The automotive challenges of the present throw shadows on German industry. The Hella subsidiary FWB plastic technology in Pirmasens plans to hire its operation by the end of 2026. More than 132 employees are affected by this decision, which was made as a result of significantly falling production figures in the European automotive industry. The Hella spokesman said that the industry produces fewer vehicles than originally expected. In view of this climate development, medium-term recovery is assessed as extremely unlikely.

The current economic framework is critical. Small utilization rates and increasing production costs press on profitability. According to Hella, demand in the automotive industry has decreased sharply, while the costs of energy and raw materials have increased by 16 percent on average, which is no longer compensable. This development has already led to the reduction of 50 jobs, and it is indicated that some employees have to look for new jobs at an early stage. A complete closure of the location should be carried out by the end of 2026.

closure details and effects

The FWB plastic technology has been part of the Hella Group since 2020 and specializes in the production of injection molding components for the automotive industry. Around 95 percent of production go into this area, while only 5 percent are delivered to other customers. The location in Pirmasens, which was obtained in 2001, was an essential industrial employer in the region. With the closure, Pirmasens will suffer a serious economic loss, since this facility represents the largest employer in the city.

The closure takes place in a long time until the final setting of the production, which is to be reduced by mid -June 2026. Important information about the closure plans have also been reflected in other corporate decisions, such as the announced closure of another Hella location in Baden-Württemberg.

The situation in the automotive industry

The automotive industry is currently under a great pressure to adapt. In a report by the German Economy Institute, the challenges that the industry faces is pointed out. The effects of increased costs and reduced market requirements are clearly shown. The industry has to struggle with a decline in vehicle production, which increases the pressure on suppliers such as FWB plastic technology.

This development is worrying and makes the future of the Pirmasens region appear in a dubious light. Hella itself makes strategic decisions in a drastically changing market and must now draw the necessary consequences for his staff and the locations.