On Thursday 4 September, the Freisen municipal council granted approval to begin the ‘Schwarzerden industrial area site development concept’ urban development planning process. This paves the way for expansion at KNDS Deutschland Maintenance GmbH, one of the region’s largest employers.
The Saarland Economic Promotion Corporation gwSaar is now permitted to prepare and further develop the necessary area.
The background to this is a major procurement project by the German Armed Forces: the defence committee has already approved the development and construction of the Patria armoured transport vehicle. If the budget committee agrees, KNDS could be manufacturing up to 3,500 vehicles at the Freisen plant in several waves from 2027 onwards. The new armoured transport vehicle from Finnish manufacturer Patria would replace the current ‘Fuchs’ and will be adapted to the Germany army’s particular needs by KNDS.
To get this site ready for the task, gwSaar (a subsidiary of Strukturholding Saar) will first of all be preparing an area of land 3.9 hectares in size. Another seven hectares will be developed as required during the urban development planning process.
Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke emphasised: ‘The Freisen municipal council have made a vital, correct decision – for Saarland as a hub of business and for Germany’s security interests. Our aim is to quickly supply the space that KNDS needs to expand its production capacity. If the budget committee’s decision is also positive, this would further increase the importance of Saarland as a location for the arms industry.’
Valentin Holzer, CEO of Strukturholding Saar, said: ‘The council decision taken today allows us to acquire and develop spaces around the KNDS site. In doing so, we are laying the foundations for expanding the KNDS plant and playing an active role in developing Saarland as a location and creating industry jobs here.’
Photo: Patria Group
