Stihl reduces workforce by 100 in Waiblingen-Neustadt, relocates lawn-mowing robots to China.
In a significant move, gardening equipment manufacturer Stihl has announced that it will be cutting around 100 jobs at its development site in Waiblingen, Germany. The company confirmed this decision to the Waiblingen newspaper (ZVW).
The job cuts are primarily affecting the development and production of mowing robots. Stihl is taking a step to respond to a market change, focusing on self-learning mowing robots without boundary cables, a product line they have not previously offered. The development and production of these robots will be moved to China in the future.
Despite this shift, the production of Stihl's core products, including chainsaws, blowers, and hedge trimmers, will continue in Waiblingen.
The CEO of Stihl, Michael Traub, stated that they aim to develop products in China that combine "reliability and engineering from Germany with technological dynamism from China". Stihl is establishing a new development center in China for this technological realignment, citing high innovation speed, digital expertise, and a close network of specialized suppliers in robotics, AI, and software as key reasons.
Stihl had previously announced it would cut 500 jobs worldwide, primarily in administration. Talks with the works council are underway regarding the job cuts.
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The approximately 100 employees affected at the Waiblingen site have been informed about the job cuts. The company did not provide a specific reason for moving the development of their mowing robot to China or any related job cuts impacting the Waiblingen site in their official announcements.
This move is consistent with general industry trends and typical reasons companies relocate R&D to China, such as cost reductions, proximity to key manufacturing partners, access to technology talent, or a strategic push to expand market presence in Asia. However, for a precise and up-to-date explanation or impacts, official company announcements or trusted news sources specific to STIHL’s corporate decisions would be needed.
- Given the shift in focus towards self-learning mowing robots, Stihl is moving the development and production of these robots to China, aiming to combine "reliability and engineering from Germany with technological dynamism from China."
- In response to market changes, the job cuts at Stihl's development site in Waiblingen, Germany are primarily affecting the development and production of mowing robots.
