Alstom plans to close the plant in Görlitz by 2026

French train manufacturer Alstom plans to close its plant in Görlitz, which currently employs around 700 people, by the end of March 2026. The reason for this is the strategic relocation of shell construction work to Eastern Europe, the company announced. The move is part of a specialization of the German sites, about which the employee representatives have been informed. The sites in Henningsdorf, Kassel and Mannheim are also most affected.

With regard to the 175-year-old site in Görlitz in eastern Saxony, the company said that "advanced confidential talks are underway with an industrial partner about a possible commitment to the site". The aim is to create sustainable prospects for industrial jobs in particular. Such plans have been known for some time, but Alstom has now made details of the planned restructuring public.

Works Council warns of loss of quality due to relocation abroad

The Chairman of the General Works Council, René Straube, described the Alstom decision as "very bitter". "I find this incredibly tragic," Straube, who is also Chairman of the Works Council for the Görlitz site, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur. He warned of a loss of quality due to the relocation abroad. Up to now, double-decker coaches for Israel have been produced in Görlitz, among other things.

According to Alstom's plans, no more new vehicles are to be built at the Henningsdorf site and ongoing projects are to be relocated to the Bautzen and Salzgitter sites. Instead, Henningsdorf in Brandenburg is to be "expanded into a key location for the central growth areas of digitalization and service". The service business - such as repair and maintenance - from the Görlitz, Mannheim and Kassel sites is to be bundled there. The volume of work at the Henningsdorf site is not to be reduced.

Mannheim will reportedly focus on the growth areas of digitalization and development. One plant building is to be sold. Development work and project management for alternative drive technology are to be relocated to France. Kassel will remain the production site according to the plans.