Following almost nine decades. - Schleich, a toy company, moves its headquarters.
A toy manufacturing company named Schleich is moving its headquarters from Schwaebisch Gmuend in eastern Wuerttemberg to Munich after almost 90 years. This was announced on a Tuesday. The relocation is set to take place on January 1, 2025. Schleich's Munich office has been in existence since 2021.
Additionally, a new location is expected to open in the Czech capital Prague, which will be responsible for financial tasks and customer service, among other things. Employees in Schwaebisch Gmuend will have the option to transfer to the two new locations. The number of employees that will be affected by this change is yet to be determined: "We've started talks with our works council. We'll respect their decisions."
The restructuring will also see changes in Schleich's logistics division. This function will be transferred to an external logistics partner, and employees will be given takeover offers. The exact number of employees that will be affected by this change is still unknown. Schleich had a workforce of roughly 480 people across the world in 2023, as per their own statements.
The reorganization aims to strengthen the company's core competencies, group functions, and improve collaboration. This is a goal of the new management team led by Stefan De Loecker, a former Beiersdorf manager. De Loecker assumed his position earlier this year.
Following several years of growth, Schleich experienced a decline in sales last year. The company's revenue dropped by around 15% to €234 million. According to Schleich, the subdued purchasing mood is the predominant cause for this decline. The number of figures sold also decreased by more than 10% to around 35 million pieces. The company has not provided any information about their profits. Schleich sells their collectible figurines and playsets in over 60 countries and derives more than 60% of its revenue outside Germany.
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- Schleich's headquarters move from Schwäbisch Gmünd in Baden-Württemberg to Munich signifies a significant shift in the company's operations after nearly 90 years.
- The new Munich office, in existence since 2021, will serve as the head office, while a new location is planned for Prague, in the Czech Republic, to handle financial tasks and customer service.
- Stefan De Loecker, a former Beiersdorf manager, leads the new management team with the goal of strengthening Schleich's core competencies and improving collaboration.
- Toys from Schleich are sold in over 60 countries and generate revenue primarily outside Germany, contributing over 60% to the company's income.
- In a bid to cut costs and improve efficiency, Schleich's logistics division will be outsourced to an external logistics partner, with affected employees offered takeover opportunities.
- The restructuring follows a decline in Schleich's sales last year, with a drop in revenue of approximately 15% to €234 million and a decrease in figures sold by over 10%.
Source: www.stern.de
