German engineering firm to axe 45 jobs at Ayrshire plant

A German engineering firm plans to cut 45 jobs at its site in East Ayrshire.

Mahle Engine Systems says it has “identified an overcapacity” of positions at the plant it operates in Kilmarnock, as part of a wider global restructuring that will reduce its global workforce by 7600 people.

A spokesperson for Mahle said: “We confirm that Mahle has identified an overcapacity of around 45 jobs for the Kilmarnock site.

“The exact timing forms part of our discussions with the relevant employee representatives, which are now commencing.

“Please understand that we are not able to communicate any further details at this time.

“The identified adjustment needs are based on the structural and strategic requirements Mahle is addressing as part of the restructuring process of the Group, particularly in the context of the technological transformation of the automotive industry, and of our forecasts for the market developments in the coming years.

“With this in mind, we have performed a very thorough review of all our regions, business areas, and locations in recent months.”

Some 181 workers are employed at the Kilmarnock plant, which makes components for motorsport engines, combustion engines and electric vehicles.

Mahle cited the coronavirus pandemic as a significant factor in speeding up the company’s restructuring process. It says it does not expect the vehicle markets to “return to pre-crisis levels for several years”.

Mahle said Europe accounts for around 3700 of the jobs being cut, of which roughly 2000 are in Germany.