The factory of agricultural machinery manufacturer „Claas“ in Harsewinkel is temporarily halting production due to a sharp drop in sales figures, German broadcaster WDR reported on Monday. Among other things, the operations of important departments will be suspended for an extended period of time.

Regular production of combine harvesters will be interrupted until September, which will result in the loss of part of the income of around 900 employees.

A company spokesman wrote to the portal „Agrarheute“ on Tuesday morning that due to the current difficult economic situation, which has particularly affected the agricultural sector, „Claas“ plans to suspend the work of „some employees in certain areas of the production at the main factory in Harsewinkel“ during this summer (from 12 July until 30 August 2024). Workers will also be closed from 2 September to 20 September in order to preserve existing jobs in the longer term and to cope with a temporary drop in orders.

Production of forage harvesters and large tractors will, however, continue as planned.

Interestingly, at the end of June, "AGCO Fendt" announced shortened working hours at several plants, which will initially last until the beginning of August.

Austrian manufacturer "Pöttinger" has asked 200 of its 1,200 workers to register as unemployed for four weeks in the summer. A further 450 workers showed solidarity by taking a week of unpaid leave.