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Layoffs Called for Across Established German Firm, No Job Cuts Due to Redundancies Implied

Business in Baden-Württemberg, long-standing for 119 years, shuts down, leaving about 100 employees jobless and without termination benefits.

Business entity based in Baden-Württemberg, operational for 119 years, is shutting down, leaving...
Business entity based in Baden-Württemberg, operational for 119 years, is shutting down, leaving around 100 workers without severance packages.

Layoffs Called for Across Established German Firm, No Job Cuts Due to Redundancies Implied

Title: Family-Owned Business Shutting Down After 119 Years, Leaving Employees Jobless

Author: Jakob Hertl

Insight: The economic climate is hitting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hard, with numerous companies struggling to stay afloat.

The grim reality of the economic situation in Germany is being felt across various industries. One such victim is a respected family business based in Bietigheim-Bissingen – the Karl Wildermuth Bauunternehmen GmbH & Co. KG – which has announced its closure in 2025, marking the end of a 119-year legacy.

This traditional company takes pride in their values of tradition, responsibility, and fairness, as visible on their website. What's seemingly unexpected and concerning is the news of letting go all approximately 100 employees without severance benefits. As per a report by the Stuttgarter Zeitung, the management stated, " Despite diversification, the entire business field is so affected that it is not possible to maintain jobs."

Criticism Mounts: Job Security and Severance Unaddressed

The IG Bau union questions the management's approach, arguing that there were no indications of difficulties beforehand, and expressing surprise at the comprehensive dismissal of all workers. Regional manager Andreas Harnack commented, "There are always ways to secure jobs." The union also criticized the fact that long-time employees are not receiving severance packages.

Historical Background: From Humble Beginnings to Present Struggles

Founded in 1906 by Christian Schwemmer in Pleidelsheim near Bietigheim-Bissingen, the Wildermuth construction company began with around five employees. After World War II, Karl Wildermuth took over the business, and it grew steadily over the decades to a peak of 180 employees on a large site in Carl-Benz-Straße in Bietigheim-Bissingen. The company is presently run by the third and fourth generations of the family.

The current predicament leaves the employees in search of new employment, unfortunately not an uncommon situation in today's economic climate. Fellow workers in traditional companies from Reutlingen and an automotive supplier based in Deggingen, among others, have recently faced similar hardships.

The financial struggles of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are resonating across multiple industries in Germany, with the Karl Wildermuth Bauunternehmen GmbH & Co. KG, a family-owned company based in Bietigheim-Bissingen, set to close in 2025. The 119-year-old business, known for its emphasis on tradition, responsibility, and fairness, is letting go of its approximately 100 employees, raising questions about job security and the lack of severance benefits in the industry.

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