Siemens Gamesa to cut thousands of jobs amid 'lower business volumes', CEO tells staff
Outgoing CEO Jochen Eickholt in internal letter announces layoffs of some 15% of global workforce as sales stop of 4.X and 5.X onshore wind platform continues
"Our current situation demands adjustments that go beyond organisational changes,” Jochen Eickholt is quoted as writing.
“We have to adapt to lower business volumes, reduced activity in non-core markets, and a streamlined portfolio.”
The job cuts come as the company has paused selling turbines from its problem-ridden 4.X and 5.X onshore wind platforms (that cover the 5 to 7MW range) while a task force that also includes parent Siemens Energy is carrying out a thorough process of finding the root causes of the technological issues and fixing them.
“It will not be possible simply to take someone from Taiwan and transfer them to Cuxhaven. That’s not going to be possible,” Bruch said.
Siemens Gamesa didn't confirm the exact number of jobs to be cut.
"The nature of negotiations is that the result is only clear at the end, not at the beginning. Once we have discussed the details with all parties involved and know how many of the jobs affected can be absorbed by growth in other areas, we will announce a result," the company said in a statement.
Siemens Gamesa employees are particularly worried in Spain, where the company has several onshore wind plants.
“The leadership team and I are aware that today's announcement is difficult, especially considering the challenges you've been facing over this past year," Eickholt said in his letter to staff.
"But I want to underscore that our wind business, including Onshore, has a future."