Rheinmetall plans 300 billion euros: arms pad in Osnabrück!

Rheinmetall plans 300 billion euros: arms pad in Osnabrück!

Osnabrück, Deutschland - Rheinmetall, the leading German armaments manufacturer, plans to increase the increase in armor expenditure in Germany and the EU. CEO Armin Papperger estimates the order potential up to 300 billion euros by 2030. This development is particularly promoted by the increased armor expenditure after the Russian attack on Ukraine, such as OE24 reported. Papperger characterizes the current situation as a "era of upgrade", which is reflected in a record growth for his company.

In order to meet the increasing demand, Rheinmetall plans the expansion of several works and at the same time checks to switch parts of civil production, especially in the automotive industry, to military production. There are possible takeovers of works, such as the Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück. Talks between Rheinmetall and Volkswagen about cooperation are already underway.

Visit to the Rheinmetall delegation in Osnabrück

On Friday, a delegation from Rheinmetall visited the Volkswagen location in Osnabrück. At this meeting, in which Pappger also took part, talks about a joint venture with Rheinmetall Man Military Vehicles were held. The first speculation about the possible production of military vehicles at the Volkswagen location was initiated. According to NDR , Papperger described the work as "well suited" for military vehicles. Volkswagen boss Oliver Blume was open to the location of the location, but there are still no specific results from the conversations.

The Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück currently employs 2,300 people and will be dealt with the production of the T-Roc convertible by summer 2027. After that, the future of the location remains uncertain. IG Metall Lower Saxony calls for the maintenance of the company as a "civilian industrial location", while the works council chairman Jürgen Placke emphasizes that the workforce wants to contribute to the automotive future of Volkswagen.

The armaments industry in upheaval

The armor industry in Germany, although small compared to other branches of industry and with around 60,000 employees from end manufacturers, is growing rapidly. The changed security situation requires faster implementation of orders and an increase in armor expenditure, demands arms expert Klaus-Heiner Röhl from the Institute of German Economy. It emphasizes that capacities have to be expanded by the inclusion of civilian industrial plants or the creation of new production facilities. This tendency is also promoted by the geopolitical situation, such as Tagesschau

Rheinmetall has gained the share price and market share in the past few months, and experts see potential in the transfer of specialists from the automotive sector to the defense area. In addition, the development of drones and technologies for electronic warfare is considered further growth potential.

With the upcoming changes in the armaments industry and the possibility of converting the Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück into a military production facility, the group is at one crucial point. It remains to be seen how these developments will affect the workforce and the industrial landscape.