Schaeffler announces European restructuring with 3,460 job cuts

Schaeffler announced a European restructuring program on November 3, 2026, including 3,460 job cuts and the closure of five sites, mainly in Germany, by 2028. The company targets EUR 300 million in annual earnings improvement from 2030 and expects EUR 480 million in one-off restructuring costs. Alongside the plan, Q3 sales were EUR 5,814 million, down 2.0% on a currency-adjusted basis, while EBIT margin was 4.2% before special items; Schaeffler confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.

The plan creates near-term restructuring costs but is intended to lower Schaeffler’s annual cost base from 2030. CEO Klaus Rosenfeld said the company’s dividend formula excludes one-off restructuring costs, although cash-flow timing remains relevant to the dividend decision.

  • 1The restructuring targets 3,460 employee reductions and five European site closures, with implementation mainly planned by 2028.
  • 2Schaeffler expects EUR 300 million in annual earnings improvement from 2030 and approximately EUR 480 million in one-off restructuring costs.
  • 3Q3 sales were EUR 5,814 million, down 2.0% on a currency-adjusted basis, and EBIT margin was 4.2% before special items.
  • 4Schaeffler generated EUR 260 million in Q3 free cash flow and confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.
  • 5The company said the cuts will focus mainly on production and research and development, while some positions will be created in future-oriented areas.
  • Materials 4 and 5 give different figures for the German portion of the 3,460 job reduction: approximately 2,660 versus 2,760.
  • Material 4 states restructuring costs of approximately EUR 480 million, while material 5 states $480 million; the currency is not consistent across the materials.

Sources