Trelleborg tackling workforce shortage at Czech plant

Trelleborg, Sweden – Trelleborg Industrial Solutions has adopted a range of measures to tackle an ongoing labour-shortage problem in the Czech Republic, the company has informed ERJ.

In a 26 April financial release, Trelleborg president and CEO Peter Nilsson reported “intensive efforts” to address efficiency and profitability issues at a Czech production plant.

The issues concern the company’s facility in Hradec Králové, acquired as part of the €1.1-billion takeover of CGS Group in 2016, the Swedish group confirmed in a written statement.

Part of Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, the unit manufactures moulded rubber components, sealing rings, air springs and v-belts.

According to the company, competition for workers is “fierce” in that specific region, due in part to “some newly established industrial companies with brand new facilities.”

“We are facing the same challenges as all industrial employers in the Czech Republic: lack of local labour due to very low unemployment and a lack of a new generation of factory workers,” the company further stated.

Measures to address the issue include ‘city-hall’ meetings, family days, internal and external branding campaigns, leadership training schemes and school collaborations, noted Trelleborg.

“And we of course pay our employees fairly,” it added. “In addition to this we are also investing in our facility in [make it] a more attractive workplace as such.”