ContiTech: Agreement reached with employee representatives on reconciliation of interests, social plan and future framework

• Agreement provides a framework for the socially responsible implementation of organizational adjustments to strengthen competitiveness
• Socially responsible reduction of around 3,000 positions worldwide and relocation of activities to locations with more competitive cost structures
• Target: annual savings of €150 million from 2028
• New future framework adopted covering safeguarding of vocational training, do-determination and investments in German sites

Hanover, Germany, May 7, 2026. The Continental group sector ContiTech has reached an agreement with employee representatives on key workforce measures for Germany related to the cost‑saving program announced in November 2025. The agreement (German: Interessenausgleich, reconciliation of interests) defines the conditions for the reduction of around 1,600 in Germany. Some of the affected activities will be relocated to countries with more competitive cost structures. 

In total, approximately 3,000 positions worldwide are affected by the program. As previously announced, ContiTech aims to achieve annual savings of €150 million from 2028. In light of continued weak market conditions, the measures are intended to strengthen the company’s long‑term competitiveness.

The agreement sets out a clear framework for implementing the measures in a socially responsible manner. ContiTech has committed to mitigating the impact on employees wherever possible. The negotiated package includes a voluntary separation program as well as job‑to‑job placement support, both within the company and with external employers.

At the same time, ContiTech and employee representatives have agreed on a forward‑looking framework for the company’s future in Germany. This includes shared principles for constructive labor relations, targeted investments to enhance the competitiveness of German sites, and a clear focus on site roles in cases of structural overcapacity. The framework also reaffirms the importance of high‑quality vocational education and training, with training volumes continuing above current demand and including long‑term employment perspectives.

Voluntary program to start promptly

Implementation of the agreed measures will begin tomorrow, on May 8, 2026 with the launch of the voluntary program, offering eligible employees the option to leave the company under the agreed conditions. The main focus of the workforce adjustments will be on administrative functions within the business areas and the group sector. These functions are primarily located in Hanover and, to a lesser extent, at other sites in Germany.

The measures are designed to support ContiTech’s competitiveness irrespective of its future ownership structure. The objective is to unlock the medium‑ and long‑term potential of a company that is a global leader in material expertise for industrial applications. ContiTech currently employs more than 20,000 people worldwide, around 7,700 of them in Germany, and bundles Continental’s industrial products and solutions for customers across multiple industries.