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Bosch applies for short-time work: Chip crisis hits Salzgitter hard!
Bosch is applying for short-time work in Ansbach and Salzgitter due to a shortage of semiconductors. Challenges caused by delivery bottlenecks from China.
Bosch applies for short-time work: Chip crisis hits Salzgitter hard!
A wave of short-time work is rolling out in the German automotive industry, while the chip shortage is keeping the entire industry on its toes. The automotive supplier Bosch is particularly affected, as it announced today that short-time work has been applied for at the plant in Salzgitter. Company spokespeople emphasized that everything is being done to avoid or at least minimize production restrictions. There are around 1,400 employees in Salzgitter, but how many of them will have to go on short-time work is currently unclear. The plant in Braga, Portugal, is also noticing the effects of delivery bottlenecks.
The background is complex geopolitical tensions. The Dutch chip manufacturer Nexperia, which is under the influence of the Chinese government, is currently experiencing delivery problems due to export bans. It was only announced last weekend that China could, as an exception, allow exports again, although companies must submit applications for this - it remains unclear which companies will actually be supplied. This uncertainty is making hearts beat faster in the auto industry, because while some companies like Aumovio, a Continental supplier, are already applicants, it remains to be seen whether all will receive approval. This is reported by Deutschlandradio.
The domino effect of the chip shortage
ZF Friedrichshafen, one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, is also faced with similar challenges. While ZF is already examining possible short-time work measures for several German locations, including the location in Schweinfurt, no official application has yet been submitted to the Federal Employment Agency. Important components for vehicle drives are manufactured here, and the company has held intensive negotiations with the works council in recent days. The semiconductor shortage caused by the lockdowns and trade disputes with China is casting a growing shadow over the entire industry. Tagesschau reports that this semiconductor shortage is already having a major impact on the automotive industry worldwide.
The event is reminiscent of a domino effect: The problems at Nexperia not only affected Bosch, but also other companies - Volkswagen is also preparing for short-time work, but is monitoring the situation closely in order to identify possible effects on production in the German plants in good time. Those responsible at Volkswagen are also examining alternative procurement options. Heise emphasizes that current developments are reflected in close political discussions, which could potentially lead to the easing of chip exports from China.
Overall, it is clear that the automotive industry in Germany is facing a serious challenge. The shortage of basic chips has put great pressure not only on the companies themselves, but also on the entire value chain. How long the many employees in the affected factories will be affected by short-time work depends largely on the speed at which deliveries from China can start again.