{"id":120418,"date":"2026-05-18T16:18:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:18:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fup-ag.com\/?post_type=case-study&p=120418"},"modified":"2026-05-27T10:09:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T08:09:21","slug":"plant-closures-automotive","status":"publish","type":"case-study","link":"https:\/\/www.fup-ag.com\/en\/case-studies\/plant-closures-automotive\/","title":{"rendered":"Factory closures in the automotive industry"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Plant closures in the automotive industry<\/span>How can it be implemented on time?<\/span><\/h1>

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What was the initial situation in the plant closure project?<\/span><\/h2>

The case study describes a German location of an international group from the automotive industry (supplier)<\/strong>. Four years before the start of the project, the decision was made to close the production site in Germany and relocate individual areas, particularly engineering<\/strong>, abroad.<\/p>

Initially, the company pursued the goal of finding an amicable solution together with the employees in the context of a termination<\/strong>. However, due to structurally weak regional conditions, many employees waited for developments. The project stagnated for years – while at the same time the relocation of production abroad was already progressing.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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What were the challenges in implementing the site closure?<\/span><\/h2>

The main challenge was the significant delay in implementing the originally planned measures. At the start of the project, a relocation rate of 40%<\/strong> had already been achieved – with increasing momentum.<\/p>

Other challenges were:<\/p>

-Lack of progress on voluntary solutions with employees<\/p>

-Time pressure due to ongoing production relocations<\/p>

-Complex coordination with internal and external stakeholders<\/p>

-Necessity of clean processes under labor law in accordance with the Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG)<\/strong><\/p>

-supporting an inexperienced HR team during a critical transformation process<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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What role did interim management play in the project?<\/span><\/h2>

The interim manager (Head of Human Resources – Liquidation)<\/strong> was appointed after several HR changes in order to implement the closure in a structured and targeted manner.<\/p>

Her tasks included:<\/p>

-Conducting a well-founded company and progress analysis<\/strong><\/p>

-Advising the international CEO on a collective legal solution<\/strong><\/p>

-Creation of a comprehensive stakeholder analysis<\/strong><\/p>

-Development of a clear communication plan<\/strong><\/p>

-Preparation of a detailed process and process description<\/strong> for the closure<\/p>

The aim was to shape the transition from a stagnant situation to a structured, legally secure process.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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What specific measures were implemented to successfully close the business?<\/span><\/h2>

Several key measures were taken to implement the site closure:<\/p>

–Budgeting of all costs<\/strong> up to the final closure, including severance payments to be negotiated in the social plan<\/p>

-Negotiation and conclusion of a reconciliation of interests with a list of names<\/strong> in accordance with Section 1 (5) KSchG<\/p>

-Preparation and conclusion of a social plan <\/strong><\/p>

-Conducting severance meetings<\/strong> together with the works council<\/p>

-Management of the entire operational implementation, including:<\/p>

-Cooperation with the employment agency<\/p>

-Organization of the delivery of termination letters<\/p>

-Coordination with an inexperienced internal HR team<\/p>

This structured approach ensured that all employment law and organizational requirements were met.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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What results were achieved by the project?<\/span><\/h2>

The project was completed successfully and within the set deadlines. The most important results at a glance:<\/p>

-Meetingthe deadline<\/strong> set by international controlling<\/p>

-Complete and transparent cost planning and budget control<\/strong><\/p>

-Legally compliant implementation of all labor law measures<\/p>

-Successful conclusion of reconciliation of interests and social plan<\/strong><\/p>

-Professional support for all separation processes<\/p>

-Rate of0 % dismissal protection claims<\/strong><\/p>

The project is an example of how a complex business closure can be implemented efficiently and with legal certainty using structured interim management.<\/p> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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FAQ<\/span>Frequently asked questions<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div>

How does a legally compliant business closure work in Germany?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/i>\n <\/i>\n <\/div><\/div>

A legally compliant company closure requires compliance with labor law requirements, in particular the negotiation of a reconciliation of interests and social plan with the works council as well as consideration of the Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG). Structured planning and legal support are essential.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What role does an interim manager play in restructuring?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/i>\n <\/i>\n <\/div><\/div>

An interim manager assumes temporary management responsibility, brings in external expertise and ensures the rapid, structured implementation of complex projects such as site closures, restructuring or transformations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Why is a structured communication plan important during plant closures?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n <\/i>\n <\/i>\n <\/div><\/div>

A clear communication plan ensures transparency, reduces uncertainty among employees and stakeholders and contributes significantly to the acceptance of the measures and the smooth running of the project.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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The project manager<\/span><\/h2> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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Plant closures in the automotive industry<\/span>How can it be implemented on time?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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