Bosch applies for short-time work in Salzgitter – chip crisis hits the industry!

Bosch applies for short-time work in Salzgitter – chip crisis hits the industry!

The automotive supplier Bosch is facing a difficult phase and has now applied for short-time work for its locations in Salzgitter and Ansbach. The move comes in response to ongoing delivery difficulties, which are primarily caused by export stops by the Chinese semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia. After the Dutch government took control of the company, numerous other companies in the automotive industry are also facing similar challenges. According to Deutschlandfunk, it should be said that the company spokesman emphasizes that everything possible is being done to avoid or at least minimize production downtimes.

Another location that is affected is in Braga, Portugal. The exact figures as to how many of the 1,400 employees in Salzgitter will be affected by short-time work are currently unclear. However, it is clear that the chip shortage, an export restriction imposed by China and the associated uncertainties are putting a heavy burden on the entire industry. This is a problem that not only affects Bosch, but also other major players such as ZF Friedrichshafen and Volkswagen. The latter are monitoring the situation closely and examining alternative procurement options, but have not identified any short-term production losses.

Background to the chip shortage

The shortage of semiconductors, especially from Nexperia, poses serious problems for the German automotive industry. At the beginning of October, China stopped exports of Nexperia chips due to trade conflicts and security concerns, which further exacerbated concerns in the industry. Last weekend, China surprisingly announced that exports could be approved again as an exception, but companies now have to submit applications, as Tagesschau reports. However, it remains to be seen which companies will actually be supplied, which continues to maintain uncertainty in the industry.

Particular attention should also be paid to the situation of Aumovio, a supplier to Continental. This company is among the first applicants for export authorization of Nexperia chips and it remains exciting to see whether they receive the green light for their industrial activities. In addition, the supplier ZF Friedrichshafen is also preparing for short-time work at several locations, but is currently monitoring developments without having submitted an official application to the Federal Employment Agency.

Leadership at Bosch

During this difficult time, Paul Thomas is leading Bosch's business in North America and, in his position as president since September 2024, has also been focused on growth in mobility. The experienced manager brings over 25 years of experience in the mobility sector, which could be of great importance for the company's management during this uncertain phase. Thomas has extensive responsibilities in the industry, regularly speaks at major conferences and is actively involved in educational work, as can be read on the Bosch website.

In summary, it can be said that the automotive industry is facing major challenges due to ongoing delivery difficulties. Bosch is trying to keep the impact on employees and production as low as possible, while at the same time the industry is looking forward to whether and when the export situation will improve. The success of these measures will be crucial to turning things around in this difficult time.