Zeiss to End Sports Optics Manufacturing in Wetzlar by 2026
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH has confirmed that it will cease all manufacturing operations at its Wetzlar (Germany) facility by the end of 2026. The news came in an official statement released by the company last Tuesday, and was also communicated directly to employees the same day. The move is expected to affect approximately 70 jobs.
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH, based in Wetzlar, Germany, traces its roots back to the historic optics manufacturer Hensoldt. In 1928, Carl Zeiss Jena acquired a majority stake in M. Hensoldt & Söhne, integrating the company into its growing portfolio of optical excellence. The transformation was completed in 2006, when Hensoldt AG officially became Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH.
Today, the company operates as part of the Brand Optics/Optronics division of Carl Zeiss AG, continuing a long tradition of innovation in precision optics. Its product lineup includes high-end binoculars, monoculars, spotting scopes, night vision devices, laser rangefinders, riflescopes, reticles, and reflex sights for hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts around the globe.
Zeiss Sports Optics will continue to exist as a brand, but the production in Wetzlar will close.
According to Zeiss, demand for traditional analog optics (particularly in the premium segment) continues to decline. "Price and competitive pressure, a weakened consumer climate, the disruptive shift to digital products, and structural cost disadvantages in Germany have led to ongoing financial losses in our hunting and nature observation optics production in Wetzlar," said Joachim Kuss, speaking on behalf of Zeiss's Photonics & Optics communications team.
While manufacturing will wind down, Zeiss has confirmed that Wetzlar will remain a key location for customer service, logistics, and quality assurance.
“The employees in Wetzlar have done outstanding work, and everyone involved has fought hard to keep production here,” said Torsten Scheidt, Managing Director of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH. “But the market shifts we've seen, especially in recent years, are so significant that we simply cannot sustain the current value chain.”
Over the coming months, Zeiss plans to engage in discussions with labor representatives to explore socially responsible ways to support affected employees and manage the phased job reductions.
The announcement also highlights Zeiss's broader strategic shift in Wetzlar toward semiconductor technology. The company's Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) division, which has seen strong growth in recent years, is building a second production facility in the Dillfeld area. Once completed in 2026, the new 12,000-square-meter "multifunctional factory" will bring the number of Zeiss SMT employees in Wetzlar to around 500.
While the optics landscape may be evolving, Zeiss appears to be doubling down on sectors where it sees long-term potential. That future, for now, seems to be in semiconductors rather than sports optics.
Again, although it’s tragic to see Zeiss Wetzlar close, this does not mean the end of Zeiss in Sports Optics. TFB looks forward to seeing what new products will evolve in the future, and we will let our readers know of any development.
For more information about Zeiss Sports Optics, please check: www.zeiss.de/sportsoptics
Source: Mittelhessen
All images by Zeiss
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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What will this mean for Pilla?
Germany has closed its nuclear power plants to heavily invest in “green energy “
This has resulted in very high energy prices.
Industry is fleeing.
It seems they are intent on de industrialization