Swarovski Optik, the Austrian manufacturer of high-complete optical instruments, is cutting 40 jobs worldwide, the company confirmed Monday. The cuts, registered with the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), are attributed to rising costs, particularly those stemming from U.S. Tariffs, and increasing competitive pressures.
The company, based in Absam, Tyrol, produces binoculars, telescopes, and riflescopes. Approximately 45 percent of Swarovski Optik’s revenue is generated in the United States, making the American market a crucial driver of the company’s financial performance. According to CEO Johannes Oberdanner, the decision to reduce staff was “unfortunately unavoidable” to secure the company’s long-term economic viability.
Despite reporting a revenue increase to over 200 million euros in 2025, Swarovski Optik cited a confluence of factors necessitating the restructuring. These include escalating costs related to energy, materials, and labor, as well as disruptive technological changes in the optics and outdoor industries. The company too noted a shift in customer demographics, with younger consumers increasingly relying on digital channels for product information and comparison shopping, and demanding advanced features like image stabilization and digital connectivity.
The job cuts will affect employees globally, though the company emphasized its commitment to supporting those impacted through socially responsible solutions in accordance with Austrian labor laws. Swarovski Optik employs approximately 1,100 people, with 90 percent of the workforce based in Absam.
Despite the workforce reduction, Swarovski Optik reaffirmed its commitment to its Tyrol location. The company recently invested 10 million euros in a recent logistics center aimed at improving the efficiency and resilience of its international supply chain. The Absam facility remains “the heart of Swarovski Optik,” according to company leadership, with production and development activities considered central to its business model.
The situation at Swarovski Optik highlights the vulnerability of export-oriented businesses in Tyrol to international trade barriers and global economic dynamics. Even with revenue growth, the combination of rising costs and tariffs can necessitate structural adjustments, including personnel reductions. The company’s management stressed the need for continuous cost review and proactive responses to evolving trade policies.