Claas announces production restrictions due to the difficult economic situation that has affected the agricultural machinery industry, German media report. After the traditional holiday downtime, the plant in Harsewinkel will operate on a shortened basis. As reported by Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), the reason for this decision is the poor sales results of the agricultural machinery manufacturer.
Claas management informed that the usual holiday break will last until the end of August. Then, shorter working hours will be introduced – three weeks a month. The restrictions will apply to 900 production and administration employees of the plant, who are to work short hours from September 2 to 20, 2024. According to the company's management, this should help secure their jobs in the long run, provided that the trend with a decline in orders – said the company spokesman.
Regular production of combine harvesters was interrupted for 2 months – until September. Production of forage harvesters and large tractors is progressing as planned. Production restrictions will not affect the production of the large Xerion tractor in any way, Agrarheute reports.
The portal reminds that the entire machinery industry in Europe and beyond is experiencing an order and sales crisis. At the end of June, AGCO Fendt introduced reduced working hours in several plants. The Austrian Pöttinger dismissed 200 of its 1,200 employees for "holidays", and 450 employees took a week of unpaid leave. John Deere in the US is also laying off workers.
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Fendt factories in Germany reduce working hours. The market stagnation is to blame 
