geobra Brandstätter Stiftung & Co. KG, a company of the Horst Brandstätter Group, has successfully concluded negotiations with the Works Council on a reconciliation of interests and a social plan for the Dietenhofen site. From the outset, the objective of the talks was to implement the announced relocation of production from Dietenhofen to the Horst Brandstätter Group’s international production network in a responsible, transparent, and socially acceptable manner, while providing those affected with clarity at an early stage.
Together with the Works Council, the company has reached a sustainable and mutually acceptable solution for the changes ahead. Management is fully aware that the planned closure of the plant represents a significant personal impact for the employees concerned. The Horst Brandstätter Group is consistently and as planned implementing the relocation of Playmobil production that was communicated in February. The closure of the Dietenhofen facility will take effect on June 30, 2026.
In constructive and efficiently conducted negotiations, company management and the Works Council agreed on a comprehensive package of measures designed to provide the best possible support to affected employees.
The swift conclusion of the negotiations within just a few weeks underscores the constructive cooperation between management and the Works Council. It was in the shared interest of both parties to provide employees with early clarity, guidance, and support. The social plan includes, among other measures, severance arrangements for the approximately 350 affected employees, the establishment of a transfer company, and offers for qualification, further training, and professional reorientation.
“We would like to expressly thank the Works Council for the open, objective, and constructive discussions,” said Anna Freyberger, Head of HR at the Horst Brandstätter Group. “We are fully aware that the agreed measures cannot compensate for the loss of jobs. Our joint objective was therefore to develop solutions that offer employees immediate assistance and open up new perspectives in what is a challenging situation.”
With the conclusion of this agreement, the company is fulfilling its social obligations and taking responsibility by providing affected employees with orientation, reliability, and support.
“We are fully aware that the agreed measures cannot compensate for the loss of jobs. Our joint objective was therefore to develop solutions that offer employees immediate assistance and open up new perspectives in what is a challenging situation.”
HR Director Anna Freyberger