Despite record turnover in 2023, Pierer Mobility will lay off 300 employees by the summer. The incomprehension of the measures taken by the two-wheeler manufacturer (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, MV Agust) in the Innviertel has affected board member Viktor Sigl, as he reveals in an interview with the ‘Krone’.
“A challenging response to the conclusion of the wage round for metal workers”, “incomprehensible” – Pierer Mobility received harsh criticism when the two-wheeler manufacturer (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, MV Agusta) announced that it would move parts of production and development to Asia and therefore say goodbye hiring 300 employees in Mattighofen and Munderfing.
The associated outrage has still not subsided. “Our products are accompanied by a lot of emotion, which is also reflected in the decisions we have to make,” says CEO Viktor Sigl.
The manager emphasizes that the measure was not easy for the management of the motorcycle and e-bike manufacturer, but that reducing costs was inevitable. The resulting criticism “wasn’t fair,” says Sigl. “Other companies do these things quietly, we don’t. It is important to provide clarity.”
Dismantling by summer
The reduction of approximately 300 jobs is progressing smoothly. “There is no deadline,” Sigl emphasizes. However, the reduction will have taken place by the summer.
In which areas will the 300 employees be rescued? Both in production and in research and development.
Temporary workers also have to go
Because temporary workers are also affected, the cuts to permanent staff are not that great. Natural fluctuations also play a role: “Pensions and fixed-term contracts that are not extended,” says Sigl, but he does not sugarcoat anything: “Of course there are also active terminations.”
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
