HENSOLDT finalises expansion plans in Aalen

With its planned move to the Triumph site, HENSOLDT is responding to the continuing high demand for sensor solutions and optoelectronic systems. The Optronics Division in particular is developing dynamically. Optronics refers to the combination of optics and electronics, for example in high-precision targeting and reconnaissance systems for military platforms.

Strengthening the Optronics Division

The Optronics business unit, headquartered in Oberkochen, is to receive additional development, production, integration and maintenance capacities as part of the planned expansion. The plan is to use existing hall space on the Triumph site. The aim is to create office space and assembly areas for optical and optoelectronic components.

The investment serves to secure long-term delivery capability, technological excellence and vertical integration. At the same time, HENSOLDT's industrial presence in the Ostalb district is to be strengthened in the long term. The company expects the planned expansion to create several hundred new jobs.

Christina Canitz, Head of Optronics Division at HENSOLDT, said: “From today's perspective, the Triumph site in Aalen offers excellent conditions for expanding our development and production capacities in the field of optronics. The region has a strong industrial base, proven expertise and an efficient infrastructure. Against the backdrop of our continued growth, we are giving high priority to this preferred location. Nevertheless, we are still in ongoing negotiations, so final contractual agreements are still pending.”

Dr Joachim Bläse, District Administrator of the Ostalb district, said: “HENSOLDT's expansion on the Triumph site in Aalen, the associated consolidation of its locations there and the creation of new jobs is excellent news for the Ostalb district and will have a positive impact on the whole of Baden-Württemberg. HENSOLDT is thus making a clear commitment to the business location and demonstrating its confidence in our skilled workforce and innovative strength. This location decision will specifically strengthen our strong photonics cluster around Aalen and Oberkochen with excellent partners such as Aalen University and Fraunhofer IOSB in Oberkochen. Together with the state of Baden-Württemberg, we have been able to show that future technologies are at home here.”

Aalen's mayor, Frederick Brütting, said: “We are delighted that HENSOLDT has chosen Aalen. As the city administration, we have worked intensively on this over the past few months. For our city, this means many new jobs and major investments. It also demonstrates confidence in the skills of our skilled workers. The technology group is a perfect fit for our Photonic Valley and gives the cluster formation a strong boost. This is also excellent news for urban development, as HENSOLDT is bringing industrial life back to the Triumph site.”

At the talks (from left): Achim Gruber (Chairman of the Works Council, HENSOLDT Optronics), Bernd Mayer (Site Manager, HENSOLDT Optronics), Frederick Brütting (Mayor of the City of Aalen), Christina Canitz (Head of Optronics Division), Dr Joachim Bläse (District Administrator of the Ostalbkreis district), Wolfgang Steidle (First Mayor of the City of Aalen).