Desma: An update
Injection moulding machine manufacturer Desma has announced how the company is coping during the global pandemic.
As a result of the economic downturn - in the automotive industry in particular, and the effects of the coronavirus, the manufacturer has announced the loss of 48 of the 281 jobs at its Fridingen location. Desma states that 16 of these jobs will be lost as a result of natural fluctuation.
A transfer company has been established and financed by Desma for further qualification and outplacement. This will enable 32 employees to separate from Desma in a socially acceptable way. This measure is part of the Resilience project which aims to reorganise the company and complement the short-time working which has been ongoing since last September. It also consists of the voluntary salary waiver of all executives, and notes the extensive process cost optimisation measures initiated.
Managing director, Martin Schürmann, commented on the meeting which was held on 11th May via internet conference: “While preparing and implementing this personnel adjustment we prudently and responsibly keep a close eye on the future, not only for those employees who continue to be employed, but equally for those who have been participating in the company’s growth so far and are now leaving.
“We are also continuing the significant investment in the SAP project for the standardisation of the business processes encompassing the five international Desma locations.”
Dr. Harald Zebedin, who is in charge of technology, added that the focus of development is on new products that are currently being built to secure the future of the company.
The Desma company group operates at five international locations, and will employ 517 members of staff worldwide by the end of the year. According to corporate planning, 233 members of staff will be in Fridingen.
Due to the current situation, the company is unable to make a sales forecast for the current fiscal year.