Steelcase Intends to Close Down Its Plant in Durlangen, Germany

The US office furniture manufacturer Steelcase intends to close down its plant in Durlangen, Germany. The 265 staff employed there were informed about the divestment plans on 17 October. The production of cabinet furniture is to be transferred gradually from Durlangen to a new location in Stribro, Czech Republic. Construction of the new factory is to commence in November. Steelcase expects to make annual savings of approximately US$10m as a consequence of the transfer of production, which is scheduled to begin in spring 2014 and be completed within one year. Steelcase's second German production location in Rosenheim, where there are currently 468 employees and table production and administration are located, is not affected by the plans. Nevertheless, according to company sources, very few employees will have the opportunity of moving from Durlangen to Rosenheim.