Boehringer Ingelheim to Cut Approximately 50 Jobs in Vienna Following Production Changes

German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim has announced plans to reduce its workforce in Vienna by about 50 positions. This decision comes in response to the discontinuation of production for a specific vaccine component, which is scheduled to cease at the end of March 2026.

The company confirmed that the production halt is linked to decreased demand for ingredients used in a particular cancer vaccine. As a result, manufacturing operations related to this product will be phased out, impacting roughly 150 employees within Boehringer Ingelheim's biopharmaceutical division in Austria. Of those affected, the company aims to redeploy approximately half into alternative roles at its Vienna facility.

For employees who cannot be retained despite internal job offers, Boehringer Ingelheim has collaborated with its works council to establish a social plan and a suite of comprehensive support measures. These steps are designed to assist affected personnel during the transition period and minimize potential disruptions to their careers.

Boehringer Ingelheim's Vienna Regional Center, located in the twelfth district of Austria's capital, currently employs around 3,500 people. Despite the job cuts, the company has indicated that the overall headcount at the site will remain largely unchanged year-over-year. Production facilities are reported to be operating at high capacity, and the discontinuation of the vaccine project is not expected to have a significant impact on the company's financial performance or its ongoing business operations.

The pharmaceutical group reported a strong business year in 2025, citing growth across all divisions. According to Boehringer Ingelheim, the Vienna location continues to see substantial investment, with annual expenditures of between 30 and 50 million euros directed towards infrastructure improvements. In addition, the construction of a new office building, designed to accommodate 1,000 employees, is underway with an investment value of around 100 million euros.

Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to maximizing the utilization of its existing capacities. The company is currently seeking new projects to replace the discontinued vaccine production line, aiming to ensure the continued effective operation of its Vienna site. The pharmaceutical industry in Austria, particularly in Vienna, remains a significant employer and continues to see investment in research, development, and infrastructure by leading companies.

While the reduction in roles is a response to changing market demands, Boehringer Ingelheim's ongoing investment underlines its long-term commitment to its Vienna location and to the broader Austrian pharmaceutical sector.