Volkswagen is reportedly scaling back its operations at the “Gläserne Manufaktur” (Transparent Factory) in Dresden, potentially limiting future employment opportunities to just 135 personnel. This information, revealed in a letter from the Volkswagen brand to the Saxon state government and reported by “Handelsblatt”, highlights ongoing challenges related to the company’s recent financial performance and associated cost pressures.
Currently, approximately 280 employees are working at the Dresden facility, a figure that decreased from 320 at the end of 2024. A significant number of staff have accepted early retirement packages or partial retirement options and a solution for approximately 70 remaining employees has yet to be determined. While the broader Volkswagen Group maintains a commitment to employment security until 2030, the Dresden facility is facing a significant shift.
According to “Handelsblatt”, the Transparent Factory is slated to cease vehicle production by the end of 2025. The location, which presently assembles the electric compact car “ID.3” is projected to cost the company roughly €60 million annually thereafter. Volkswagen is currently engaged in negotiations with the Technical University of Dresden regarding the potential repurposing of a large portion of the site, although crucial financial aspects remain unresolved.
A company spokesperson declined to comment on the specific figures when questioned by the newspaper, citing confidential discussions with the Free State of Saxony and the University. All parties involved stated that constructive negotiations are ongoing.
