Schefenacker Vision Systems presents strategy for future as independent group of companies

Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH (SVS Germany), a leading manufacturer of innovative vehicle lighting, has adopted a comprehensive restructuring concept after parting company commercially and legally with the remaining business areas of Schefenacker plc in Portchester, Hampshire, England.

The commercial and legal separation of the Lighting and Mirrors segments means that SVS Germany’s Lighting division, separated from Schefenacker plc, can in future focus clearly, as a separate and independent supplier, initially on German customers, above all on the premium segments of the respective manufacturers’ vehicle ranges.

Comprehensive restructuring concept adopted

With this in mind the management, jointly with employees’ representatives and engineering union IG Metall members, has presented a framework concept for restructuring the group of companies that has been agreed with the customers. Details of the framework concept’s implementation will be negotiated and agreed in the weeks ahead.

It provides for up to 500 job cuts in Germany, of which 450 will be transferred to the company’s Prebold location in Slovenia. If the concept can be implemented as planned, Schefenacker Lighting could accomplish a turnaround in 2010. At the Schwaikheim location the focus will in future be on research, development and technology. The concept does not include the closure of any of the four German locations.

Layoffs will be avoided because the concept provides among other things for jobs to be found for employees by a Schefenacker employment agency in affected areas.

“With this agreement we have succeeded in squaring the circle. In spite of job cuts all permanent employees will receive an employment guarantee until the end of 2012 on the basis of the terms and conditions of the industry wage agreement,” said Gerhard Wick, IG Metall secretary for Göppingen Geislingen.

“Our aim is to lead Schefenacker Vision Systems GmbH back into economic stability under its own steam on the basis of the concept agreed,” said Dr. Zeljko Matijevic, Managing Director of Schefenacker Vision Systems GmbH. He added that “it would not have been possible if IG Metall and the works council had not been prepared to strike out in new directions.”

Major new orders in the pipeline, expansion of R&D and technology

Initial, positive signals for SVS Germany’s future course are the new orders for lighting that customers who support the enduring restructuring concept for SVS Germany are on the brink of signing.

With these new orders in the offing, SVS Germany needs additional qualified staff. That is why up to 40 new employees are to be hired in Germany by the end of the year in Development and Technology. This is a material step toward securing in the long term and further extending SVS Germany’s position as a leading manufacturer of innovative vehicle lighting.

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