HUNGARY: The new Rheinmetall Út

05/23/2023 By Redaktion

Combat Vehicles Rheinmetall Hungary Zalaegerszeg

On May 23, 2023, a street on the premises of Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. in Zalaegerszeg, a joint venture between the technology corporation and the Hungarian state, was ceremonially renamed "Rheinmetall Út (Street)". (The pictures show the plant from last year.) The ceremony was attended by corporate representatives, the Mayor of the city, Zoltán Balaicz, and other dignitaries. Imke Nora Kellner, CEO of Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., emphasized: "Through our commitment here at this location, we strengthen the economic development of the region and create highly qualified jobs in the Hungarian supply industry. In the future, armored vehicles of the latest generation will be developed, manufactured, and maintained here to contribute to security and freedom in Europe."

Currently, a modern development, production, and test center is being built on the site, creating around 350 new jobs with further growth potential in area and technology. The focus is on the development and production of state-of-the-art tracked and wheeled vehicles, especially the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, for the Hungarian Armed Forces. Production started in January 2023 with the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). Residents are protected from noise and hazards with high standards, for example, only minimal quantities of mainly practice ammunition will be stored for functional testing in secure underground storage facilities, and shooting will take place in a closed underground firing range. Above-ground testing or test explosions as well as test drives on public roads will not occur here.

With its diverse initiatives on-site, the corporation not only underscores its local commitment but also its strategic goal of group-wide CO2 neutrality by 2035. Andreas Baumeier (COO) summarizes: "We take our technological and social responsibility very seriously and invest in innovative products and technologies, as well as sustainable business practices and the use of renewable energies to reduce CO2 emissions."

Therefore, a solar system has already been installed in the first expansion phase, trees have been planted along Rheinmetall Ùt, and more will follow on the premises. Company vehicles will mainly be equipped with electric or hybrid drives in the future, and internal vehicles on the premises, such as forklifts, logistics, security, and pool vehicles, are already operated in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

Michael Stolze (CFO) emphasized at the conclusion of the celebrations: "The naming of Rheinmetall Út is not only an honor for us but also a commitment to cooperative and sustainable cooperation, today and in the future. We would like to take this opportunity of today's celebration to express our sincere thanks for the support of our commitment by the local authorities and their representatives!"