Seb, the appliance group, has announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 2,100 jobs globally, which represents nearly 7% of its total employees. Among these cuts, around 500 positions may be eliminated in France, reportedly on a voluntary basis. This decision was shared during the company’s presentation of its 2025 results, where Seb detailed its strategy to navigate a challenging competitive environment, particularly against Asian rivals.

The motivation behind this significant reduction in workforce is to better align the organization with market realities and to steer the company back towards a trajectory of profitable growth. With around 31,000 employees worldwide and about 20 of its 47 manufacturing sites located in France, Seb has cited the need for strategic adjustments to improve its operational efficiency in the face of rising competition.

On Wednesday, Seb began communicating the cost-cutting plan to labor organizations. This initiative represents a pivotal moment for the company, emphasizing a transition towards sustainable profitability, and raises questions about the implications for its workforce, local economies, and the broader appliance industry in Europe, given the ongoing competitive pressures from Asian manufacturers.