Armaments group KNDS takes over Alstom in Görlitz

The Franco-German armaments group KNDS is taking over the Görlitz plant of rail vehicle manufacturer Alstom. In the presence of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), the two companies signed an agreement to this effect in Görlitz. A total of around 580 of the approximately 700 employees are to be kept on at KNDS or Alstom. Among other things, KDNS plans to produce various assemblies for the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the Puma infantry fighting vehicle in Görlitz.

Double-decker coaches will still be produced in Görlitz until 2026

The production of double-decker coaches for Israel and streetcars for Gothenburg and Magdeburg, for example, will continue in Görlitz until 2026. Alstom made it clear that the discontinuation of production does not mean the end of rail vehicle manufacturing in Germany. Alstom currently has 14 sites in Germany with a total of 9,600 employees. From now on, vehicle construction will be concentrated in Bautzen and Salzgitter, while Hennigsdorf will be responsible for service and digitalization.

Scholz spoke of the "very good news that industrial jobs will be preserved even though Alstom is leaving Görlitz". "The great employees are the main reason why KNDS Germany will be producing here in Görlitz in the future and securing jobs."

Production to start this year

The first staff transfers and the start of production in Görlitz are planned for this year, according to the statement. According to KNDS, it intends to invest a double-digit million euro amount. Production will then run in parallel and be built up gradually, said a company spokesperson. Rail vehicles have been manufactured in Görlitz for 175 years. This era is now coming to an end.