Playmobil manufacturer Horst Brandstätter Group (Zirndorf, Germany; www.horst-brandstaetter-group.com) announced on 2 October 2023, according to concurring media reports, that almost 700 jobs are to be cut worldwide within the next two years, with 369 – more than half of them – in Germany. In relation to the total workforce, this would correspond to a reduction of 17%. In Germany, about one in six employees would be affected by the job cuts. It had already been announced on in the last week of September that the mould making plant in Zorndorf was to be closed; 74 jobs would be lost as a result. 

According to media reports, Brandstätter describes the staff reductions as “necessary” and the result of a “comprehensive investigation of all business areas”. According to reports, management consultancy McKinsey has been examining the company, which has been in financial difficulties since the pandemic, over the past few months. This is said to have caused some unrest among the staff for some time. 

Related: CEO Höpfner terminates contract / Playmobil under new management

The job cuts are to be carried out “in a socially acceptable and, if possible, amicable manner”, it is said. The company reportedly said it will try to employ the affected staff in other areas. However, a Playmobil spokesperson is quoted as saying: “It is to be assumed that the staff reductions cannot be implemented without layoffs.”