Relocation to South America
Faber-Castell wants to cut jobs at its headquarters
November 25, 2025 – 17:19Reading time: 2 minutes
Faber-Castell suffered from consumer restrictions and US tariffs. Now Franconia stationery manufacturers have to save money.
Stationery manufacturer Faber-Castell wants to cut around 130 jobs in Germany. The company announced that its smaller, low-utilization production lines would be moved from headquarters in Stein near Nuremberg and from Geroldsgrün in Upper Franconia to Brazil and Peru.
“The vacant space at the German location will be used to expand the high-end product line with unique selling points and new products,” he said. The aim of these measures is to remain competitive and profitable in Germany.
Faber-Castell cited challenges from global competition, US tariffs and consumer restrictions and a changing trade landscape as reasons for the austerity measures. There must also be savings in administration. “We will also continue to reduce our fixed costs here,” CEO Stefan Leitz was quoted as saying in a statement.
The company announced an “equitable solution” for all affected employees. Therefore, termination of employment must be carried out through partial retirement and retirement regulations as well as natural fluctuations. It said that layoffs for operational reasons should be avoided wherever possible. Implementation of these measures is planned for the end of the 2026/27 financial year.
The IG Metall union is unwilling to accept the planned cuts and is committed to considering other alternatives, as West Central Franconia’s second representative, Eva Wohlfahrt, said. The size of the layoff plans is also surprising. “We will fight to ensure that as few jobs are lost as possible.”
The Faber-Castell family business, based in Stein near Nuremberg, produces not only high-quality writing instruments and drawing equipment but also cosmetic products. According to its own information, the company employs around 6,200 people worldwide, including around 1,200 people in Germany. In the 2024/25 financial year, the company generated sales of around 602 million euros.
