A shortage of skilled workers in Germany has prompted BMW to open a factory specially equipped to encourage workers to stay longer.
Based in the south of the country in the town of Dingolfing, the new plant features ergonomic work stations with extra back support, better lighting, and an easier pace than factories workers may have previously experienced, Reuters reported.
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“I don’t need to reach as far for things as I did before, and I manage to take care of things while holding myself upright — it really is a relief,” said Ludwig Lang, who has spent 40 of his 57 years working at BMW.
The Munich-based automaker claimed the factory is a world first because, while it employs people of all ages, it is aimed particularly at the valuable, older skilled workers it hopes to retain.
It hopes to expand the programme – which also includes relaxation rooms and a healthy canteen – to 4,000 workers in production areas across German speaking countries by 2011.
“It’s important, to use the catchphrase, given the skills shortage,” said board member Frank-Peter Arndt. “But we are also deeply convinced we should not lose all that experience gained by the colleagues over many years.”
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By GlobalDataThe German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) said Germany lacks about 400,000 skilled workers.
The country also has a low birth rate.
