Panasonic factory closure in Austria: 140 jobs at risk

Panasonic factory closure in Austria: 140 jobs at risk Japanese electronics giant Panasonic will close its factory in Enns, Austria in December 2025, putting 140 jobs at risk due to Europe's shrinking share of the electronics components market. Topics: News, Economy.

In December 2025, Japanese electronics giant Panasonic will close its factory in Enns (Linz-Land district), resulting in the loss of 140 jobs. The decision follows a sharp decline in Europe’s share of the electronic components market, particularly base materials for printed circuit boards.

Why Panasonic is closing the plant

Europe’s share of electronic component production has dropped from 20% to just 2% of the global market over the past two decades. This is due to competition from Asian countries, especially China, where production costs are significantly lower. Panasonic became one of the few remaining manufacturers in Europe, and its competitiveness has declined yearly.

Additionally, the Enns plant did not receive the necessary investment to modernize its production capacity, making operations unprofitable under intense competitive pressure. The company has decided to move production to more favorable regions.

Consequences for employees and the region

The closure is a heavy blow for 140 employees at Panasonic Industrial Devices Material. The company has promised to work with unions to find social solutions for laid-off workers, but concrete measures have not yet been determined.

The region around Enns will also face negative consequences. Job losses will reduce incomes and worsen the economic situation, affecting not only laid-off workers but also their families.

Possible support measures include professional retraining, job search assistance, and discussions on social benefits.

The Panasonic plant closure signals how production policy and economic conditions can affect workers’ lives. It reflects broader trends in Europe’s electronics industry — Asian production overcapacity and insufficient investment in European factories make the future uncertain.