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Tesla denies cuts at Berlin plant, says jobs there are secure

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 21, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Tesla denies cuts at Berlin plant, says jobs there are secure
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BERLIN, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Tesla's workforce at its gigafactory outside Berlin has shrunk by some 1,700 employees, the Handelsblatt business daily reported on Wednesday. The Gruenheide plant south-

Tesla Confirms Job Security at Berlin Gigafactory Amid Media Claims

Tesla's Commitment to Workforce Stability

BERLIN, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Tesla has no plans to curb production or cut staff at its gigafactory outside Berlin, the company said on Wednesday, denying a media report that its workforce there had shrunk significantly over the past couple of years.

Production Status at Gruenheide

"Compared to 2024, there has been no significant reduction in the number of permanent staff. Nor are there any such plans," Tesla said in an emailed statement.

Response to Workforce Fluctuations

The U.S. electric car maker said that production at the Gruenheide plant south-east of the German capital, Tesla's only production site in Europe, had remained steady in recent years.

Global Layoff Context

"The message from factory management remains: the situation and outlook at the gigafactory are stable - especially with regard to employee jobs," the statement added.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Handelsblatt business daily reported that Tesla's workforce in Gruenheide had shrunk by some 1,700 employees, or 14%, since 2024, citing internal documents inviting staff to elect their works council representatives.

Tesla said it was "completely normal" to see some fluctuation at the nearly four-year-old factory, adding that the need for temporary workers had decreased since the initial ramp-up of production.

In April 2024, Musk told Tesla workers that the carmaker would lay off more than 10% of its workforce globally to reduce costs and improving productivity.

(Reporting by Rachel MoreEditing by Madeline Chambers)

Key Takeaways

  • Tesla reduces Berlin workforce by 1,700 employees.
  • Current staff at Gruenheide plant is 10,703.
  • 14% reduction compared to 2024 projections.
  • No immediate comment from Tesla spokesperson.
  • Global workforce reduction planned by Tesla.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gigafactory?
A gigafactory is a large-scale manufacturing facility designed to produce batteries and electric vehicles at high volumes, significantly reducing production costs and increasing efficiency.
What is workforce reduction?
Workforce reduction refers to the process of decreasing the number of employees in a company, often due to financial constraints, restructuring, or changes in business strategy.
What is a works council?
A works council is a representative body of employees in a company that engages in discussions with management on workplace issues, including working conditions, employee rights, and organizational changes.

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