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.
As announced on 30 September 2025, dental technology manufacturer Etkon, part of the Swiss Straumann Group, plans to relocate its production of transparent plastic aligners to China. This will affect 240 employees at the Markkleeberg site (Saxony). The jobs are expected to be cut by early 2026. The decision was made by the parent company, the Straumann Group, which says it needs to reduce costs to remain competitive. The Chinese company Smartee will take over the production of plastic aligners in the future.
IG Metall mentioned they will fight with the employees for the location and the jobs, and at the same time demanded from the policy to protect domestic industrial production, for example by quotas.
The Markkleeberg site currently employs 360 people. The production of dental prosthetics will remain at the site
Eurofound (2025), Etkon, Offshoring/Delocalisation in Germany, factsheet number 203511, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203511.