Bosch Faces Production Disruptions at Three Plants Amid Nexperia Chip Shortages

Bosch is dealing with production problems at three of its major plants as the company continues to feel the impact of supply disruptions tied to chipmaker Nexperia. The German auto-parts supplier confirmed on Tuesday that operations remain restricted at its facilities in Ansbach and Salzgitter in Germany, as well as at its plant in Braga, Portugal.

A company spokesperson said production at all three locations “continues to be affected,” adding that Bosch is concentrating on keeping customer delays as low as possible. The disruptions have led to reduced working hours and furlough measures across the affected sites.

The difficulties stem from an ongoing dispute over Nexperia, a Netherlands-based chip producer owned by China’s Wingtech. In late September, the Dutch government placed the company under temporary state control, citing concerns about sensitive technology falling under Chinese ownership. The decision triggered a response from the Chinese side, which restricted exports of Nexperia’s finished products.

Although Nexperia’s chips are relatively simple, they are widely used across automotive electronics and consumer devices. Their absence has created immediate strain for manufacturers like Bosch, which rely on stable, high-volume deliveries of these components.

With supply interruptions continuing, Bosch has been adjusting staffing levels on a daily basis. At its Salzgitter site, where roughly 1,300 people work, the company is using Germany’s state-supported furlough mechanism for around 300 to 400 employees. In Ansbach, approximately 650 of the 2,500 employees have been placed on temporary furlough.

The situation is even more severe at Bosch’s Portuguese facility in Braga. Out of 3,300 workers, about 2,500 are now either furloughed or working reduced hours due to shortages of Nexperia components.

Bosch said it is closely watching diplomatic efforts between China and the Netherlands, noting that early signs of dialogue have emerged. Senior officials from the Dutch economy ministry are expected to visit Beijing this week in an effort to ease tensions and explore a path toward restoring normal trade flows.

The company has not offered a timeline for when full production may resume, saying only that its teams are working to adjust operations as supply conditions change.

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