Görlitz is worried about trams: Heiterblick is bankrupt – what now?

Görlitz is worried about trams: Heiterblick is bankrupt – what now?

The future delivery of trams for Görlitz is in jeopardy after the Leipzig company Heiterblick fell into insolvency proceedings. Michael Kretschmer, the Prime Minister of Saxony, today expressed concerns that the company will still be able to deliver the ordered vehicles. He recommended a new tender for the trams for the city of Görlitz in order to ensure the project's continuation. Heiterblick, a traditional company in Leipzig, had previously ordered trams together with Görlitz and other cities such as Leipzig and Zwickau in order to benefit from cheaper prices. The commissioning of the first 24 vehicles has already been delayed by about two years, and Kretschmer estimated that the new tender could take a total of four to five years, putting the city in a difficult position.

The current situation is further complicated by the temporary restrictions on production at the Alstom factory. The production of car bodies was stopped there because central parts of the contract were not fulfilled by Heiterblick. Alstom confirmed that only three car bodies have been handed over so far. In contrast to the situation in Görlitz, cities such as Frankfurt/Oder, Cottbus and Brandenburg have already ordered their trams from Skoda in the Czech Republic and are therefore not directly affected by a complete failure. However, even in these cases there are legal disputes about increased production costs.

Insolvency proceedings and solidarity

Heiterblick's insolvency began at the beginning of April and affects around 250 employees who can count on support from colleagues in the rail industry. A resolution passed at the nationwide IG Metall industry conference in Leipzig highlights the importance of jobs at Heiterblick for the mobility transition. The employees' salaries are covered by the Federal Employment Agency for three months, but the employees have no prospects for the period afterwards.

Michael Hecker, the second representative of IG Metall Leipzig, called on everyone involved, including politicians, to develop a sustainable concept to secure production in Leipzig. The desire to resume production of trams is also noticeable in the city of Görlitz, where district administrator Stephan Meyer remains optimistic despite the difficulties. He sees the political will for new trams, even if financing could be affected by possible cost increases. However, the subsidized financing, which runs until 2038, gives some leeway.

Overall, the situation surrounding the Heiterblick company and the associated trams shows how complex and challenging the implementation of public transport transitions is in times of economic uncertainty. Everyone involved hopes for a quick clarification of the uncertainties and a successful continuation of the projects.

For further information see also the articles from Sächsische.de and igmetall-leipzig.de.