Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.

KMS Gesenkschmiede, a manufacturer of forged parts for the automotive industry in Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia), will cease operations completely by the end of 2025 and cut all 120 remaining jobs. This will affect skilled workers in production, primarily in the automotive supply sector.
The reason for the closure is the sharp rise in energy and personnel costs, coupled with a massive drop in revenue as a result of a structural slump in the automotive sector, which accounted for around 90% of the company's business. Production is expected to continue until September 2025.
No information has yet been released about a social plan or accompanying measures, such as transfer companies. The company was founded in 1986 through the merger of three forges in Solingen and was known for its high product quality and automation standards.
Eurofound (2025), KMS Gesenkschmiede, Closure in Germany, factsheet number 203080, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203080.