Finance
Tesla reduces Berlin staff by 1,700, Handelsblatt reports
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 21, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Summary
Tesla's Berlin gigafactory cuts 1,700 jobs, reducing its workforce by 14% to enhance productivity and cut costs.
Tesla Cuts Workforce at Berlin Gigafactory by 1,700 Employees
Impact of Workforce Reduction at Tesla's Berlin Plant
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.
Current Workforce Statistics
The Gruenheide plant south-east of the German capital, Tesla's only production site in Europe, currently has 10,703 workers, the newspaper reported, citing an internal document inviting staff to elect their works council representatives.
Company Response and Future Plans
That was down 14% compared to the figure given in a similar document ahead of the works council elections in 2024.
A company spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In April 2024, Musk told Tesla workers that the EV maker 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 about Tesla reduces Berlin staff by 1,700, Handelsblatt reports
1What 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.
2What 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.
3What 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.
