Drexlmaier suspends layoff program in Zrenjanin
German manufacturer halts planned layoffs of 359 workers while it reviews its e-mobility strategy in Serbia.
On 28 July 2026 the German company Drexlmaier, a manufacturer of wiring harnesses for the automotive industry, announced that it will suspend the planned layoff program affecting 359 employees at its factory in Zrenjanin, who had agreed to leave the company by the end of July 2026.
The company is reassessing its future in Serbia and emphasized an increased focus on the e-mobility sector. "We see greater demand in the e-mobility sector, due to higher fuel costs and new subsidy schemes in various European countries," said Guido Mainelt, head of operations for Eastern Europe.
Management expressed hope that it will be able to allocate new jobs in Serbia and said the final decision should be made in the coming weeks while orders and market forecasts are being reviewed.
"We are pleased that the new projects are in the final decision phase," said Afsali, Vice President for Global Human Resources, adding that the company values the dedication and loyalty of its employees in Serbia.
The company said it is in close contact with state authorities to find a quick and sustainable solution for the Zrenjanin factory, and photos from the meetings were shared on social networks by the Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic. On social networks a headline appeared: Zrenjanin Drexlmaier still does not lay off workers: "We are in close contact with state authorities."
As a reminder, at the end of last year the company confirmed that it would have to gradually close the Zrenjanin factory and that in 2026 it would suspend all activities there due to a drop in production volume in the European automotive industry and a lack of orders. Regional representative Ralf Kapele then said the firm was aware of its responsibility to employees and would offer an appropriate social package.
Photo: Printscreen/X
