Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Knorr-Bremse, the German global market leader for train and truck brakes (supplier industry), is cutting around 700 jobs in Germany as part of its strategic programme. The locations affected are Munich, Berlin, Wedel, Aldersbach and Dresden; some of the jobs will be relocated to Poland and the Czech Republic. Most of the jobs lost will be in production.
The cuts are being justified by challenging market conditions and high personnel costs in Germany, even though the company is reporting record orders and high profits. The cuts are to be made primarily through partial retirement and termination agreements, although redundancies for operational reasons remain possible.
The IG Metall trade union has sharply criticised the plans and announced protests after the summer break, accusing management of weakening Germany as a business location and breaking promises made to the workforce.
Knorr-Bremse employs around 13,550 people worldwide. In 2019, the closure of the plant in Wülfrath (North Rhine-Westphalia) was announced, resulting in 400 employees losing their jobs Knorr-Bremse SteeringSystems 2019 - DE.
Eurofound (2025), Knorr-Bremse, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 203182, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203182.