Task Force enacting initial steps towards action
In the heart of Germany, the city of Pforzheim is navigating challenging times following the liquidation of the Klingel group. Despite the ripple effects on local businesses, as noted by WSP director Oliver Reitz, the city and its partners are working tirelessly to support affected employees and bolster the local economy.
Tanja Traub, Business Manager at IHK, has reported that the consequences for companies in the wider area around Pforzheim have been limited, although some have been affected. However, the current status of the Job Agency’s satellite offices in Klingel locations, as well as the progress made in placing Klingel employees into new jobs as of September 18, 2023, remains unclear. This information is not readily available in the current search results and would require access to internal reports or official updates from the Job Agency managing the Klingel satellite offices.
In a proactive move, Martina Lehmann, head of the Job Agency, has expressed her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition into new employment relationships for as many affected individuals as possible. To this end, the Job Agency is opening satellite offices at Klingel locations on September 18, 2023. These satellite offices will serve as extensions of the Job Agency, providing a convenient and familiar environment for employees to speak with placement specialists.
Mayor Peter Boch has stated that there is great interest from regional companies in Klingel employees, with employer offers being posted on the city's website and forwarded to the Job Agency. The employees of Galeria Karstadt-Kaufhof will also be informed about the job fair offer.
In an effort to further support Klingel employees, a series of job fairs are planned. On September 21, 2023, an employer fair of the Jobcenter is planned, with 18 companies participating and Klingel employees informed. The fair will take place between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. A larger job fair at the CongressCentrum Pforzheim is planned on October 21, 2023, from 11 AM to 3 PM, targeting specifically the employees of the Klingel group and all other job seekers.
Despite the challenges faced by Pforzheim, Reitz notes that the city is robustly positioned economically, despite low growth in Germany overall. This is evidenced by the over 60 employers with over 100 open positions that have registered on the city's job market.
Looking ahead, on October 14, 2023, a vocational training fair Mühlacker-Enzkreis-Pforzheim is planned, offering opportunities for both Klingel employees and other job seekers. The city of Pforzheim and its partners remain committed to supporting the local workforce and fostering economic growth in the region.
The Job Agency, headed by Martina Lehmann, plans to open satellite offices at Klingel locations on September 18, 2023, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions into new employment for affected individuals. Meanwhile, Mayor Peter Boch has communicated a strong interest from regional companies in employing Klingel employees, with employer offers being made available on the city's website. Moreover, financial institutions could potentially offer their assistance to businesses in the wider area around Pforzheim, given the city's robust economic position, despite Germany's low growth, as noted by WSP director Oliver Reitz. Local businesses in the finance sector might consider providing loans or investments to bolster the economy and help businesses manage the ripple effects from the Klingel group's liquidation.
