Stellantis Cuts Rüsselsheim Plant to Single-Shift

Stellantis has announced a significant reduction in operations at its Rüsselsheim plant, moving to a single-shift model starting 9th December.

This move will result in the loss of hundreds of contract worker positions and puts the jobs of technicians at the development center at risk.

The once-thriving Rüsselsheim plant, designed for three-shift operations and employing over 40,000 workers at its peak, now has a workforce of just 1,600 production employees. For months, the plant has operated on a reduced schedule of one and a half shifts, but the upcoming single-shift model signifies a further decline.

The decision to downsize operations comes amid broader challenges facing the automotive industry, including the transition to electric vehicles and shifting consumer preferences. While Stellantis has not provided specific reasons for the Rüsselsheim cutbacks, the overall trend of declining demand for traditional combustion engine vehicles is likely a contributing factor.

The impact of the shift reduction will be felt most acutely by contract workers, many of whom will face immediate job loss. Additionally, the future of technicians at the development center remains uncertain, as the company may seek to consolidate resources and streamline operations.

The move has sparked concerns among labor unions, particularly IG Metall, which represents many of the affected workers. While the union has agreed to the shift reduction, it has expressed disappointment and concern about the potential job losses.

The Rüsselsheim plant’s decline highlights the ongoing challenges facing the German automotive industry, which has historically been a major driver of the country’s economy. As the industry undergoes significant transformation, companies like Stellantis are forced to make difficult decisions to adapt to changing market conditions.