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.
Breyden, a German metal-casting company, has announced the closure of its iron-casting site in Ueckermünde in Mecklenburg West-Pomerania, which will eliminate roughly 300 jobs by 31 December 2026. The factory produces cast components for automotive manufacturers.
Breyden cites sustained economic pressures due to competition from Asia, a falling market demand and an insufficient utilization of its capacity as the driving reasons for the shutdown.
All job losses are concentrated in Ueckermünde. While some workers may be offered transfer to nearby factories, operated by other companies, such as in Torgelow, no concrete relocation plan has been confirmed. The company will negotiate a social plan with its works council.
The IG Metall has criticised the very sudden closure and has announced to participate in negotiations with the company.
Breyden’s workforce total and future site openings remain unspecified. The company has around 14,000 employees in Germany across five different sites located in Breidenbach, Neunkirchen, Immenhausen, Altenburg and Ueckermünde. The closure affects all the employees of the site in Ueckermünde.
The company had to previously close one of its sites in Lollar (Hesse) which led to the layoff of 230 employees in 2025 Breyden 2025 - DE.
Eurofound (2026), Breyden, Closure in Germany, factsheet number 301220, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/301220.
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