Porsche to create 3,000 new jobs by 2018 in global expansion push
Porsche plans to increase its workforce by 3,000 by 2018 as part of its drive to reach 200,000 annual sales, with new roles focused on its core German sites.
Porsche has announced plans to add 3,000 new jobs to its workforce by 2018. This move is part of the company’s global expansion and its goal of reaching 200,000 vehicle sales annually. CEO Matthias Müller confirmed the recruitment drive, noting that these new roles are directly connected to Porsche’s continued investment in its key manufacturing and development sites.
Porsche’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive: 3,000 New Jobs by 2018
Growth in Workforce and Facilities
The planned hiring will see Porsche’s workforce continue its rapid growth. In the three years leading up to 2013, the company increased its headcount from 12,000 to 17,000 employees worldwide, a rise of about 30 percent. The new jobs are expected to be distributed between Porsche’s main manufacturing plant in Stuttgart and its development centre in Leipzig, both of which are receiving significant investment to support the company’s expansion. This expansion is part of Porsche’s broader 'Strategy 2018', which sets out year-on-year workforce growth to match the company’s increasing ambitions in sales and product development.
| Year | Number of Employees | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 12,000 | Workforce baseline before expansion |
| 2013 | 17,000 | 30% increase over three years |
| 2018 (target) | 20,000+ (projected) | 3,000 new jobs planned; investments in Stuttgart and Leipzig |
Investing in Stuttgart and Leipzig
Central to Porsche’s growth plans are its main sites in Germany. The Stuttgart headquarters, already the heart of Porsche’s manufacturing operations, will see further expansion. The Leipzig facility, known for its development work, is also set to benefit from the new roles. These investments in infrastructure and staff are intended to increase production capacity and flexibility, enabling Porsche to respond quickly to changes in global demand and to develop new models more efficiently.
- Production line workers
- Engineers
- Support staff
By strengthening its workforce across multiple disciplines, Porsche aims to ensure its operations remain robust and adaptable in a competitive market.
Competition for Skilled Workers
Porsche’s hiring push comes at a time when competition for highly-skilled automotive workers is intensifying. Other premium manufacturers, such as BMW, have also announced large-scale recruitment drives to meet their own growth targets. As a result, Porsche is not only expanding its workforce but is also working to enhance its attractiveness as an employer.
Impact on the German Automotive Sector
Porsche’s expansion stands in contrast to recent job cuts at other European carmakers, highlighting the company’s confidence in the ongoing demand for its vehicles. While some manufacturers have reduced their workforce in response to market pressures, Porsche’s decision to grow its employee base signals a positive outlook for the company and for the German automotive sector more broadly.
For German auto workers, Porsche’s recruitment plan offers new opportunities, particularly for those with high-end engineering and manufacturing skills. The automotive sector in Germany has long been associated with quality and innovation, and Porsche’s continued investment in its workforce reinforces this reputation. The company’s approach is in line with similar moves by rivals, including BMW, which has also announced plans to hire thousands of permanent staff in the coming years.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The success of Porsche’s recruitment drive will depend on its ability to attract and retain skilled workers in a highly competitive market. As the company works towards its 2018 goals, it will need to ensure that its employment conditions and workplace culture remain appealing to both current and prospective employees. The expansion also places pressure on Porsche to maintain high standards of productivity and innovation as it grows.
Porsche’s plan to add 3,000 jobs by 2018 is a clear indication of its commitment to growth and product development. By investing in its core sites and focusing on workforce expansion, the company is positioning itself to meet rising demand and to compete effectively with other leading manufacturers. The coming years will reveal how successfully Porsche can deliver on its ambitious targets while maintaining its reputation for quality and performance.
