The Honold Logistik & Immobilien Gruppe and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) have significantly expanded their collaboration in the industrial infrastructure segment. To this end, a new systems centre is being established in Memmingen, comprising a usable area of approximately 22,000 square metres on a plot of around 40,000 square metres. Honold is investing approximately EUR 30 million in this undertaking. In addition to development and construction, the company is also responsible for subsequent operational management within the SAP environment.
The new site is designed to assume a central role in the Southern German and Swiss production network for General Dynamics European Land Systems. It also represents a further component in strengthening the defence industrial infrastructure in Germany and Bavaria. The systems centre will consolidate logistical, digital, and operational functions and integrate closely with GDELS' production and systems processes. GDELS is a leading international manufacturer of protected wheeled and tracked vehicles as well as amphibious bridge and ferry systems, whose product portfolio includes the PIRANHA, EAGLE, PANDUR, and ASCOD vehicle families.
Strategic Importance for Defence Capability
The establishment of the new site in Memmingen is of high relevance, particularly against the backdrop of the accelerated expansion of the Bundeswehr and the increased demand for protected and networked land systems. Efficient production, system, and logistics structures are a fundamental prerequisite for this. Through this project, GDELS and Honold are creating additional industrial capacities that contribute to stabilising production processes and promoting the availability of modern land systems for the Bundeswehr and its European partners. The systems centre thus directly contributes to strengthening Germany's and Europe's industrial base, security of supply, and defence capability.
The Honold Logistik & Immobilien Gruppe integrates property development, technical infrastructure, digital logistics processes, and operational management into a comprehensive overall concept. For Honold, the Memmingen site marks further progress in expanding its strategic business segment, Aerospace & Defence. Honold Aerospace & Defence Logistik bundles specific expertise within the group for demanding logistics, infrastructure, and operating models in this sector.
- —Honold is investing approximately EUR 60 million this year in projects within the Aerospace & Defence segment.
- —This includes projects in Donauwörth for Airbus and the current project in Memmingen for GDELS.
- —Further investments in sites, properties, and logistics infrastructure for the German and European defence industry are planned.
- —The goal is long-term establishment as a partner to the defence industry and the Bundeswehr in Germany, from property development to operational logistics management.
Site Development and Cooperation
The cooperation on the project in Memmingen is underscored by collaboration with the local authorities of the city of Memmingen and the state of Bavaria. Memmingen serves as an example of a development that Honold observes particularly in Bavaria: investments in defence-related and security-relevant areas receive increased priority, and approval processes can be accelerated. The investment volume of EUR 30 million, the creation of 22,000 square metres of new infrastructure, and the long-term operational management highlight the strategic importance of this undertaking for both companies involved. For Memmingen, this establishment also signifies a diversification of its economic structure and the creation of an additional pillar in the future-oriented Aerospace & Defence sector.
