Uncertain future for Mercedes in Ludwigsfelde, according to Brandenburg reports

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Ludwigsfelde, Germany, is facing an uncertain future as the company plans to phase out the series production of Sprinter models by the end of 2029. This decision, announced in May 2023, has sparked a wave of discussions and protests, with the IG Metall union advocating for the plant's continued operation.

Currently, around 2,000 employees in Ludwigsfelde are producing Sprinters with open variants. The plant is also home to the production of the eSprinter, which will reportedly be moved to Poland, causing the job security of these workers to be limited until December 2029. An agreement between management and the works council has been reached to ensure this job security, but the background to this time limitation is the planned relocation of eSprinter production.

The IG Metall union is not willing to accept the potential phasing out of Sprinter production and has scheduled an action day for Saturday, September 13, to voice their concerns. The union, along with CDU state parliamentarian Danny Eichelbaum, is urging the Minister President to prioritize the future of the plant.

In a bid to explore further options, discussions have taken place between the state government and representatives of both employers and employees. The Brandenburg state government has also confirmed the information about the phasing out of Sprinter production and is pushing for adequate compensation for any potential loss of production at the plant.

One positive development is the establishment of a start-up factory for the electric Van.EA platform at the Ludwigsfelde plant. This move indicates Mercedes-Benz's commitment to electric vehicle production and could potentially secure a part of the plant's future beyond 2029.

Tobias Kunzmann, the first authorized representative in Ludwigsfelde, has also expressed his opposition to the potential phasing out of Sprinter production. He, along with the IG Metall union, is fighting for the plant's future.

As the date for the end of Sprinter production approaches, the future of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Ludwigsfelde remains uncertain. However, the efforts of the IG Metall union, local politicians, and employees to secure the plant's future are a testament to the plant's importance to the local community and the automotive industry.