Autoliv to shut German, UK units amid global restructuring

Stockholm – Swedish air bag and safety systems manufacturer Autoliv is to close a number of production and support facilities in Europe.

The planned closures in Germany and the UK are part of a wider restructuring plan, which will see Autoliv's workforce reduced by up to 11%.

The manufacturer is to close its textile weaving facility for curtain airbags in Congleton, in northern England, said a group statement 14 July.

Collective consultation with worker representatives has begun regarding the 'potential' closure, which would affect 250 employees.

Autoliv said it intends to “relocate production” of the products by the end of 2025.

Autoliv also aims to close its site in Elmshorn, northern Germany, which serves as a technical safety centre with mainly development and engineering services.

Autoliv aims to consolidate the technical centre and most of its customer facing activities into the group’s existing facility in Dachau, Germany by early 2025.

The change would affect more than 500 employees working in Elmshorn, said the Swedish group.

In addition, Autoliv is aiming to cut 1,100 jobs by closing sales offices in Germany, the UK, the US, and in Italy.

The measures are part of a group-wide restructuring move announced in June, which aims to cut 6,000 jobs and optimise the group’s global footprint.