Contents
The pipe manufacturer intends to close the Rothrist (AG) site by the end of the year. The company says they tried everything.
The tube manufacturer Benteler Steel/Tube wants to close its Rothrist site by the end of the year. Around 300 employees lose their jobs. The company based in Salzburg (A) no longer sees a chance for the plant.
Benteler makes steel tubing for the automotive industry. The factory specializes in the manufacture of welded drawn tubes. It manufactures powertrain components for vehicles with internal combustion engines.
The demand for such pipes is falling worldwide. In addition, production costs continue to rise. This hits the pipe production in Rothrist hard. The closure was successful despite intensive efforts and optimization measures and initiatives to increase competitiveness, the group states.
missed chance?
In a statement, the Swiss Employees’ Union demands that Benteler help employees to find new employment and offer further training. “The Benteler Group has failed to adapt the products from the Rothrist site to the trend towards electromobility,” criticizes the union.
The Benteler example should serve as a warning to other industrial companies.
The union goes even further: “The example of Benteler in Rothrist should be a warning for other industrial companies. The world is rapidly moving towards cleantech.”
The Unia union speaks of an “unacceptable” approach that shows disregard for the staff. As the largest social partner, Unia must be involved in the development of social plans.
Benteler regrets layoffs
Did Benteler oversleep switching to electric vehicle production? “Not true,” says a spokeswoman for the company when asked by SRF. A search was made for alternative products for electric drives, but this was not possible for technical reasons.
“We very much regret having to plan the closure of the Rothrist plant by the end of 2023.” This is difficult news for the employees, “many of whom have been with us for many years”.
Benteler wants to initiate a consultation process with the Employee Committee. Treating employees with respect is the focus.
Switch to e-vehicles in progress
Urs Steinemann, President of the turned parts association Swiss Precision, sees several problems for the Swiss automotive suppliers. “An e-vehicle requires ten times fewer parts than a combustion vehicle.” In addition, many e-vehicle parts do not have to be as precise as those for combustion engines. Switzerland is the leader when it comes to high-precision particles. Others can also produce less precise parts, at most abroad.
Steinemann runs the company Häni Technology in Arch (BE), which among other things produces precision turned parts for car production. It has been felt for a long time that fewer vehicles are being manufactured. Meanwhile, his company produces parts for electric vehicles, and more are planned.
This expansion is also taking place in Aargau, says Beat Bechtold, Director of the Aargau Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Many companies are switching. “To create the high energy costs of all metal products companies,” he says.
Uncertainty is poison for the economy.
Urs Steinemann from Swiss Precision thinks that the automotive industry lacks planning security. Do batteries power cars? Something else? “Uncertainty is poison for the economy. But the industry cannot solve this alone.”