As part of its strategic realignment, the Horst Brandstätter Group is taking another step to strengthen its competitive position. The company plans to relocate Playmobil production from its Dietenhofen site to other facilities within its existing manufacturing network. With this move, the Group is responding to rising cost pressures in Germany. The goal is to unlock efficiency potential and make greater use of synergies across the organization.
In parallel with this structural realignment, the Horst Brandstätter Group is making targeted investments in innovation and product development. With the successful debut of “Playmobil hi!” at this year’s Toy Fair, Playmobil has reaffirmed its ambition to achieve sustainable growth through new product concepts, technological innovation, and a consistent product‑driven strategy.
Around 350 employees in Dietenhofen will be affected by the production shift. The site will remain part of the Horst Brandstätter Group’s manufacturing footprint through continued production of the Lechuza brand. The company’s logistics operations in Herrieden, as well as the administrative functions in Zirndorf — including Playmobil’s marketing and product organization — will remain unchanged.
The decision follows a comprehensive analysis of the economic environment. Production costs in Germany have risen significantly in recent years. To safeguard Playmobil’s long‑term competitiveness and ensure the Group’s financial stability, manufacturing operations — including production equipment — will be relocated over the coming months.
Employees were informed about the planned changes during an extraordinary assembly on February 3. Constructive dialogue with employee representatives has already begun. Management and the works council will negotiate a socially responsible implementation, including the establishment of a transfer company.
The production relocation is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.