IGM concerned about the possible sale of the Kiel shipyard TKMS

Created: 04/02/2022, 16:50

The IG Metall logo can be seen on a wall.

© Daniel Karmann/dpa/symbol image

The North German IG Metall district leader Daniel Friedrich and Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther have expressed concern about a possible sale of the Kiel shipyard Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).

The company is doing well and "there is no reason for hectic actionism," said Friedrich on Friday after a meeting with Günther, the state government's maritime coordinator, Andreas Burmester, and works councils in Kiel.

Kiel - Initiating a sale or a consolidation by hook or by crook is indecent.

"It's about thousands of employees and the preservation of the key technology in Germany."

The CDU politician Günther emphasized that the state government is talking to the company.

Politicians move the question of the future ownership structure.

“It is important to us that the local jobs are preserved.” A future-proof concept is necessary.

“And we will make the influence clear there.” He is sure that the federal government is also interested in this.

"Because it's not just any company on the market, it's the largest company in the field." It is the largest shipyard in Germany.

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ThyssenKrupp boss Martina Merz said at the general meeting of the industrial group that TKMS would also examine “possible partnerships and consolidation options in addition to the stand-alone scenario”.

The group expects good business development and stable contributions to earnings in the coming years.

"In the summer of 2021, we won the largest single order in the company's history: six submarines for Germany and Norway.

And we've just finalized an agreement with Israel for three more submarines.”

Friedrich called for a stronger role in the reorientation of naval shipbuilding from the federal and state governments.

"Because of the importance of the industry in the state alone, Schleswig-Holstein must play a leading role." In their coalition agreement, the Berlin governing parties SPD, Greens and FDP have set themselves the goal of promoting a competitive maritime economy, particularly in the area of ​​climate-friendly ship propulsion.

"The suppliers and smaller repair yards must also be involved," Friedrich demanded.

dpa