SMA concludes redundancy programme

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Inverter manufacturer, SMA Solar, has announced the conclusion of a process to reduce its headcount with an additional 400 voluntary job losses. 

In July SMA said it was reducing its headcount by 800 jobs – around 700 full-time and 100 part-time roles.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The company opened its first voluntary programme for staff to leave before 1 August. An additional 400 volunteered to leave under the second programme by 13 September.

SMA said this allowed it to reach its staff reduction staff target without any involuntary lay-offs. The company's headcount will stand at around 3,000 full-time staff at the end of 2014.

“We have achieved the targeted reductions and have been able to exclude involuntary layoffs,” said chief financial and human resources officer Lydia Sommer.

SMA’s largest market is Europe, particularly Germany, but falling FiT prices here and the overall decline in Europe’s solar market have led to a sharp decrease in sales for the company – up to 50%, according to chief executive, Pierre-Pascal Urbon – necessitating the reduction in headcount.

SMA is now looking to address its small sales footprint in the booming markets in Japan and China with acquisitions and partnerships.

Read Next

September 8, 2025
France has awarded 971MW of ground-mount solar capacity, to 165 projects, in the eighth round of the PPE2 PV tender.
Premium
September 8, 2025
Analysis: The first new product in Nextracker's eBOS portfolio aims for greater standardisation and speed of installation.
September 8, 2025
Vaisala has launched a new hail alert system aimed at solar operators grappling with an increasingly costly problem for PV installations.
September 8, 2025
Vikram Solar has won a 336MW module supply agreement from L&T Construction for the 2.3GW Khavda solar park in Gujarat. 
September 8, 2025
ClearGen has entered into a US$150 million partnership with Davis Hill to build 245MW of community and commercial solar projects in the US.
September 8, 2025
A green energy auction in the Philippines has secured 9.4GW of renewable energy capacity subscriptions, of a target of 10.65GW.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines