Tesla Cuts Over 13% of Workforce at German Plant, More Than 1,700 Jobs Axed

Tesla has significantly reduced its workforce at its Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany, cutting approximately 1,700 employees—down 13.8% from two years ago—exceeding Elon Musk’s previously announced global target of a 10% reduction. According to Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper on January 21, the factory currently employs 10,703 people, far below its initial target of 22,500. Among the current staff, there are 1,683 women, 9,006 men, and 14 non-binary individuals. Tesla responded by stating that the reduction primarily affected temporary agency workers and represents normal fluctuations, as the ramp-up phase of production has been completed and increased automation has reduced the need for flexible staffing. The company emphasized that production volumes remain stable, there are no immediate plans for further layoffs, and it expects the expansion of its battery production line by 2027 to create new job opportunities.