Alstom's Görlitz Plant Transitions to Defense Production Under KNDS

The historic site will shift from railcar manufacturing to producing components for German and European military vehicles, securing part of its workforce.

The French rail manufacturer Alstom has sold its Görlitz facility to the German-French defense company KNDS, which will begin producing parts for military vehicles including the Leopard 2 tank, Puma infantry fighting vehicle, and Boxer armored personnel carrier.
KNDS plans a phased transition over the next two years, with production starting in 2025 and the full handover expected by 2027.
Approximately 350 to 400 of the plant's 700 employees will remain employed at the Görlitz site, while others will be offered positions at different KNDS or Alstom locations; social plans are in place for those not retained.
The decision follows Alstom's announcement to cease railcar production in Görlitz, ending 175 years of rail manufacturing history at the site.
The deal has drawn mixed reactions, with some welcoming job preservation and others protesting the shift to military production, citing ethical and regional concerns.