Siemens Energy’s Erfurt plant sees worker unease over possible division spin‑off

The Siemens Energy generator plant in Erfurt has fully booked orders for the next three years, prompting the workforce to take on special shifts and extra weekend work. Despite the workload, employees report deep uncertainty that is unrelated to the company’s recent renaming to Omterra. Deputy plant manager Andre Günther emphasized the name change is separate from operational issues, while works‑council chair Susan Pauli noted the new name eliminates costly licensing fees previously paid to Siemens.

Union IG Metall representative Ilko Vehlow spoke of rumors that the “Transformation of Industry” division, which includes the Erfurt plant, may be spun off. He warned that such a move could resemble Siemens Energy withdrawing from East Germany. The union called on board chair Joe Kaeser to uphold his social responsibility toward the site. During a recent visit, Kaeser reaffirmed his commitment to keep the Erfurt and Görlitz facilities operational. Employees fear a sale could jeopardise collective‑bargaining rights. Investment continues at the plant, with a new hall under construction and staff numbers rising from 498 to about 700, with further hires planned.