Over 13,900 job losses reported since the start of the year
The job market in Baden-Württemberg's metal and electrical (metal-electro) industry remains active, with numerous technical and managerial opportunities available, according to recent job postings[1][2][3]. Companies like Hitachi Energy in Mannheim are currently hiring for roles such as Site Civil Supervisor and Subcontract Manager, while specialized engineering positions like Commissioning Engineers for HVDC systems are also in demand, indicating ongoing industrial activity and need for skilled professionals.
Despite this positive job market, the broader metal-electro industry has faced significant challenges. The automotive sector, in particular, has experienced the strongest job cuts, with around 45,400 jobs lost nationwide in the past year[4]. However, some insights from related industrial segments offer a glimmer of hope. For instance, HENSOLDT, a technology company within the metal-electro sphere, reported growing revenues and record order backlog in early 2025, signaling robust demand and a positive outlook in related high-tech manufacturing industries in the region[5].
Oliver Barta, CEO of Südwestmetall, attributes the crisis to structural disadvantages, poor location conditions in Germany, transformation burdens, and geopolitical risks[6]. He urged the federal government and Bundesrat to pass the announced tax relief package immediately to help alleviate some of these challenges[7]. The federal government plans to relieve companies by around 46 billion euros between 2025 and 2029[2].
The corporate tax rate is set to be gradually reduced by one percentage point per year from 2028 over five years, and the core of the tax reform includes a 30% depreciation on investments, limited to three years[2]. If passed, the federal government's tax relief package is expected to be implemented before the summer break.
This article was written by Wolfgang Leja and was shared on various social media platforms following Oliver Barta's statement in Stuttgart on Wednesday[8]. While the article focuses on various topics, it provides a useful perspective on the current job market and future outlook for the metal-electro industry in Baden-Württemberg.
Sources:
- Hitachi Energy Job Postings
- Federal Government's Tax Relief Package
- Commissioning Engineer Job Postings
- Automotive Job Cuts
- HENSOLDT's Revenue and Order Backlog
- Oliver Barta's Statement
- Südwestmetall's Tax Relief Call
- Article Sharing on Social Media
- To alleviate some of the challenges in the broader metal-electro industry, the federal government plans to implement a tax relief package that could provide relief to companies over the next five years, as mentioned in the federal government's Tax Relief Package.
- Amidst the ongoing industrial activity in Baden-Württemperg's metal-electro industry, companies like Hitachi Energy and those seeking Commissioning Engineers for HVDC systems demonstrate a continued need for finance and business expertise, as shown in Hitachi Energy Job Postings and Commissioning Engineer Job Postings.
