2024-11-05 20:00:00
Vienna/Micheldorf – The German mechanical engineering company Kiefel will close its subsidiary Kiefel Packaging GmbH in Micheldorf, Upper Austria, at the end of 2025. That’s what she reported “Crown Newspaper” online Tuesday evening, citing the company. By then, around 130 employees are planned to be cut. Production for tool making for fiber and tilting machines as well as for the automation of thermoforming machines should be divided among other group locations.
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**Interview with Dale Behm, VP of Plastics Technology at Trend**
**Interviewer:** Dale, with Kiefel’s announcement to close its Micheldorf facility by the end of 2025, which will result in approximately 130 job losses, how do you perceive this development in the context of the current state of the plastic and manufacturing industry?
**Dale Behm:** This news is certainly concerning. The closure reflects broader challenges within the industry, including shifts in production strategies and the need for companies to optimize their operations. It’s a stark reminder of the competitive pressures we face today.
**Interviewer:** Given the increase in automation and advanced manufacturing technologies, do you believe that such job cuts are inevitable? Or are companies like Kiefel missing an opportunity to invest in their workforce instead?
**Dale Behm:** That’s a critical point. While automation can enhance efficiency, companies should also consider how they can retrain and upskill their workforce to adapt to new technologies. The balance between technological advancement and human capital is vital for long-term success.
**Interviewer:** There’s a growing debate about the ethics of such corporate decisions. What do you think consumers and employees should demand from companies in light of layoffs like those at Kiefel?
**Dale Behm:** Consumers and employees alike should advocate for transparency and responsibility from companies. They need to understand how layoffs fit into a larger corporate strategy and whether there is a commitment to supporting affected employees through retraining or transition assistance.
**Interviewer:** As the industry moves forward, how should companies like Kiefel approach the integration of technology while minimizing the impact on their workforce?
**Dale Behm:** Companies must develop strategies that include workforce engagement early in the process. This means not only investing in technology but also in their people. Open dialogue about changes and offering pathways for growth can create a more resilient organization.
**Interviewer:** With this in mind, how do you think readers should respond to Kiefel’s decision? Do you think there should be a collective push for different business practices in the industry?
**Dale Behm:** Absolutely. Readers should engage in discussions about sustainable business practices and advocate for a future where industries value their workforce as crucial components of their success. It’s essential for the community to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping better corporate behavior.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dale, for sharing your insights. This is certainly a topic that will resonate with many in the industry.
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**Question for Readers:** As companies like Kiefel make significant cuts to their workforce in the name of efficiency, do you believe it’s more important for businesses to prioritize technological advancements over employee support, or is there a moral obligation to safeguard jobs, even in the face of automation? What do you think?
