In Saarlouis, the optimism remains steady for Anke Rehlinger, the Saar Minister President, as she confidently navigates discussions with a potential automotive industry investor for the vacant Ford site. Despite the recent failure of negotiations, talks have been rekindled, with external factors like geopolitics playing a role in the negotiations' outcome.
With the production of the Ford Focus set to end in mid-2025, the Ford employees – numbering 4500 – are bracing for changes. Only around 1,000 Ford employees are guaranteed jobs until 2032, but the remaining 2,850 are left in uncertainty about their futures.
Rehlinger attests to Saarlouis's attractiveness, owing to its strategic location and the dedication and skills of its workforce. While a seamless transition to a new investor is desirable, its feasibility remains uncertain.
Ford's departure from the German car production scene in Saarlouis marks a significant shift in the automotive sector, with the Capri's anticipated electric vehicle production now taking place in Cologne. This strategic change has far-reaching implications for regional economies.
Amidst these developments, Vetter, a prominent pharmaceutical company, has stepped in to transform the vacated Ford site in Saarlouis. The company plans to create up to 2,000 jobs, providing new employment opportunities for former Ford workers, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. However, despite these efforts, many workers are still left in limbo, dealing with the uncertainties associated with job security and transitions.
Despite the challenges, Rehlinger remains hopeful, giving her all to ensure that as many jobs as possible can be sustained in the region. The goal is to keep the Saarlouis site as attractive as ever, capitalizing on the strengths of its location and workforce.
