Ford's Ax Falls in Germany



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After a damaging fiscal year that Ford CEO Jim Hackett begged employees to forget, the automaker's workforce is dwindling, and America will not be spared. But the United States can wait, because this region remains an important generator of profits. Other regions are not, and the builder's ax has already dropped in South America.

It's now Germany's turn, Ford announcing the loss of "more than 5,000" workers in this country.

Ford's operating profit for the full year (before one-offs) dropped 28% in 2018, with its European, Chinese and South American operations anchoring its balance sheet. The company's operations in Europe lost $ 398 million last year, a total earnings reversal of $ 367 million in 2017.

A major restructuring plan in Europe is already underway. January has been announced: Focused car models, a French shutter factory and the consolidation of its UK operations. Friday, Ford has raised the specter of heavy job cuts, not only in Germany.

More than 5,000 German cuts should come from "voluntary and early retirement", Ford spokesman said AFP. "The goal is to cut more than 5,000 jobs in the most socially responsible way possible."

"This announcement is part of the Ford restructuring announced in January.
in Europe with the aim of returning as soon as possible to profitable activities in Europe ", continued the spokesman, without specifying how these reductions would be distributed. Germany is home to two bodyshops and assembly plants (Cologne, Saarlouis) and a research and development center in Aachen. A desirable version of a model that Ford no longer offers in America is built in this country.

Of the approximately 53,000 workers Ford employs in Europe, some 24,000 are in Germany. Ford also said that further job losses would be expected in the UK, with AFP According to the British union Unite, 1,150 signatories will receive pink slips.

[Image: Ford]

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