KNDS Acquires Site To Produce Armoured Systems For The Bundeswehr

The negotiations between Alstom and KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG (KNDS) about the Görlitz site have overcome another important hurdle. On February 5, 2025, both sides signed a corresponding framework agreement on the takeover of the site by KNDS. In the presence of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, the companies published detail about the contents and background of the agreement in Görlitz today.

The takeover by KNDS creates a sustainable perspective for the site and a large part of the workforce: it has been agreed that 350 to 400 of the approximately 700 employees will be taken on. In addition, KNDS will examine whether to offer up to 75 additional employees career prospects at various KNDS sites. In addition, 100 employees will receive job offers at other Alstom sites. As a result, around 580 of the 700 employees will find continued employment at Alstom or KNDS. For those employees to whom this does not apply, Alstom will find a fair and socially acceptable solution.

KNDS plans to produce various assemblies for the LEOPARD 2 battle tank and the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle in Görlitz, as well as modules for a number of variants of the BOXER wheeled armoured vehicle. The transition of the site will take place gradually and is expected to be completed in 2027. The first personnel takeovers by KNDS and the start of production are scheduled to take place this year.

Production of double-decker railway carriages is currently underway in Görlitz. Various tram projects are also currently being implemented. Depending on the status of the project, these orders will either be processed in Görlitz or relocated.

Tim Dawidowsky, President Central & Northern Europe at Alstom: “We are pleased that we have succeeded in finding a good and sustainable solution for the site and for the employees. I am particularly pleased that the high level of expertise and qualification of the employees in metal processing was a decisive factor in the takeover by KNDS. This shows that what really fits together comes together here. It also shows that the team here in Görlitz stands for quality. The majority of the team has a very secure future at KNDS. Our goal is to create the best possible career prospects for the staff.”

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