ZF marked the start of construction for its new plant in Niederzissen, Germany, fulfilling its commitment to relocate from the flood-affected Ahrweiler facility following the 2021 Ahr Valley disaster. Production is set to transfer to the Brohltal-Ost/A 61 industrial area in early 2026.
The Ahrweiler plant sustained heavy damage during the 2021 flood but, with the dedication of ZF employees and support from European sites, customer supply disruptions were avoided, and production was temporarily restored. However, ZF opted to relocate to protect employees and ensure operational security.
“We promised to retain jobs in Rhineland-Palatinate, and this new site in Niederzissen allows us to fulfill that promise,” said Dr Peter Holdmann, ZF Board Member. “This location offers our team a secure future in Germany and guarantees customers a stable, high-quality supply.”
The site selection involved collaboration with the works council and local government. State Secretary Andy Becht emphasized, “ZF’s new plant is pivotal for the Ahr Valley’s economic recovery. Businesses stabilize regions, creating value and job security. This project shows ZF’s strong commitment to our community.”
Panattoni, a leading developer in European industrial real estate, is developing the facility. “This 13,000-square-meter facility meets modern industry standards with sustainability at its core,” said Stefan Bohn, Managing Director at Panattoni. “We’re using advanced heat pump systems to eliminate fossil fuels and integrating solar panels and greywater recycling.”
The new plant will house a 6,000-square-meter production hall with four advanced lines for manufacturing valves used in high-tech damping systems. A 4,000-square-meter logistics hall will support automation and digitalization in operations, while a 3,000-square-meter area will host workshops and administrative offices.
Around 230 employees will transition to the new facility, scheduled for completion in early 2026. Key officials, including State Secretary Andy Becht, District Administrator Cornelia Weigand, and ZF Board Member Dr. Holdmann, attended the groundbreaking ceremony on October 28, 2024.
