BERLIN (AP) -- Germany's largest steelmaker ThyssenKrupp AG said Friday it plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs at its seven plants in Germany by 2011.
The Duesseldorf-based company said in a statement that the cuts were brought on by the economic slump that began at the end of 2008. Demand for steel and other construction materials has fallen off precipitously since the downturn began.
ThyssenKrupp said it would try to eliminate the jobs through a range of programs, rather than through direct layoffs.
"We will adhere to the clear goal of avoiding enforced redundancy," said Dieter Kroll, the company's head of human resources.
The company said it does not foresee the need to close any plants.
ThyssenKrupp employs nearly 200,000 people worldwide.