CargoBeamer Starts Own Wagon Production in Erfurt

CargoBeamer, a logistics service provider for intermodal transport of non-craneable semi-trailers, is entering the manufacturing of freight wagons. In Erfurt, Central Germany, the company will launch a plant for the production of proprietary CargoBeamer wagons during the year. The final assembly of the freight wagons will take place in an existing factory site that was used for locomotive manufacturing in the 20th century.

(Leipzig/Erfurt) After a short ramp-up phase, around 500 wagon units will be produced annually starting in early 2023. Before the manufacturing work begins, the 3,000 square meter plant will be modernized, with the roof being renovated for energy efficiency and an existing rail connection being reactivated. Initially, around 15 employees will be employed in Erfurt, with the workforce expected to grow to more than 50 people in the medium term.

Special Attachment per Wagon

The company’s own wagons are freight wagons specifically designed for the intermodal transport of semi-trailers of all types and other loading units on the rail. Each wagon features a mounted wagon attachment that enables horizontal, parallel, and automated loading and unloading of any loading units at a CargoBeamer terminal. While no modifications to the semi-trailers are necessary for the customer, transport by rail allows for a reduction in CO₂ emissions of about 80% compared to road transport. Additionally, thanks to the craneable wagon attachment, CargoBeamer trains can also be handled at conventional crane terminals, where the wagon attachment along with the loading unit is lifted onto the train.

Taking Final Assembly into Own Hands Due to Lack of Capacity

Philipp Aubert, Managing Director of CargoBeamer Rolling Stock GmbH, explains: “To achieve our ambitious growth targets, the number of wagons – alongside a dense network of routes and terminals – is the crucial indicator for shifting more transport to the climate-friendly rail. In recent months, we have found that the available production capacities for freight wagons in Europe are no longer sufficient for our plans, and therefore we have decided to take the final assembly of our wagons into our own hands. For CargoBeamer, it is particularly gratifying to bring parts of wagon production back to Germany against the backdrop of rapid international growth with locations and employees distributed across Europe, and to strengthen the regional economic power in Central Germany with the opening of a plant in Erfurt. At the same time, we are expanding our know-how through our own production line, can actively counter market fluctuations and capacity bottlenecks in the production sector, and thus ensure the achievement of our growth targets for the coming years.”

Photo: © CargoBeamer