Crisis at Heiterblick: Alstom stops tram production in Görlitz!

Crisis at Heiterblick: Alstom stops tram production in Görlitz!

In the midst of economic turbulence, the Leipzig tram manufacturer Heiterblick has to cope with a serious crisis. Alstom, a key supplier to the company, has stopped producing car bodies. This decision is due to central parts of the contract not being fulfilled by Heiterblick. The resulting difficulties could further aggravate the already tense situation, as Heiterblick is in bankruptcy proceedings and the production of new trams is at risk.

The bankruptcy was finally opened by the Leipzig District Court at the beginning of July 2025. The reasons given are the consequences of the corona pandemic, the war in Ukraine and drastic price increases. These factors have put considerable pressure on Heiterblick, a specialist provider of individually designed light rail vehicles and trams. The company, which was founded 100 years ago and named after the Leipzig district of Heiterblick, currently has around 250 employees.

Orders and future prospects

Heiterblick has successfully applied for orders for new trams from the transport companies in Leipzig, Zwickau and Görlitz. As part of the “Saxon Platform – Tram of the Future” project, the company emerged as the winner and plans to initially deliver 25 XXL trams to the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB). There is even the option of up to 130 additional trams. Despite the production stop, Heiterblick is receiving support from the Saxon Ministry of Economic Affairs, which sees the bankruptcy as an opportunity for restructuring and is supporting the company in finding new investors.

A spokesman for Heiterblick has assured that production and work on the vehicles is continuing. However, the situation remains tense as Alstom has so far only delivered three car bodies for the first tram. The delivery of the first trains, originally planned for the beginning of 2026, now appears to be at risk. Prime Minister Kretschmer recently said that he no longer expected the trams in Görlitz to be delivered by Heiterblick as planned.

However, the State Chancellery qualified Kretschmer's statements and emphasized that the tram procurement was not in danger. In the meantime, Heiterblick is carrying out its own insolvency proceedings and has already initiated cost savings and discussions with potential investors. Discussions are also ongoing with the employment agency about possible short-time work.

The challenges present themselves

The problems with the procurement of necessary raw materials and the sharp rise in metal prices are putting additional pressure on the company. The dissolution in the commercial register represents a formal act in the insolvency proceedings and illustrates Heiterblick's difficult situation. It will be all the more important that Heiterblick can implement its plans for renovation and revitalization.

The situation at Heiterblick is an example of the increasing difficulties that many companies in Saxony – and beyond – are facing. The future of the company remains uncertain, but there are efforts to find new ways and overcome the difficulties. The development will therefore be followed with great interest in the coming months.