Medical technology company wants to cut up to 1,000 jobs

The crisis is now also affecting a German high-tech giant: The Zeiss Group, with roots in Jena (Thuringia) and headquarters in Oberkochen (Baden-Württemberg), is one of the world’s most important technology groups for optics and photonics. But the tense economic situation has not left the traditional company unscathed. By the end of 2025, Zeiss had already prepared its workforce for difficult times. Now it becomes concrete: a company in the group has to cut up to 1000 jobs!

Carl Zeiss Meditec, majority owned by Carl Zeiss AG (59.1 percent), produces medical technology instruments. This was announced in a press release dated May 12th Pursue a comprehensive package of measures. The goal: strengthen profitability and growth.

Why jobs are being cut at Zeiss

The business of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG is divided into two areas: ophthalmology and surgical microscopes. Both divisions remained below the previous year’s level in the first half of 2026. Overall it fell Sales volume in comparison by 5.7 percent. “We are now taking action with a comprehensive package of measures to improve the cost structure, strengthen profitability and create scope for investments in growth and innovation,” explains CFO Justus Felix Wehmer.

That’s how expensive job cuts will be

Among other things, the plan is to relocate parts of the business to cheaper foreign countries. The company also wants to save money on purchases and remove less profitable products from its portfolio. In the next three years, up to 1,000 employees worldwide could Jobs to be affected. “These decisions are painful, but essential if we are to remain competitive and successful in the future,” emphasizes Zeiss CEO Andreas Pecher. The conversion won’t be cheap: Zeiss Meditec is counting on the savings package Costs of up to 150 million euros.