Diehl Defence commences major expansion at Nonnweiler site to meet growing demand

The event was attended by key figures from the Saarland state government, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke and Environment Minister Petra Berg. Local officials such as District Administrator Udo Recktenwald and Mayor Dr. Franz Josef Barth joined the ceremony, along with representatives from Diehl Defence and the regional property developer OBG Gruppe.

The project includes the construction of a building dedicated to the production of guided missiles and a technical centre to support the energy supply at the Maasberg location. Both facilities will strengthen the site, which encompasses the Maasberg and Mariahütte industrial areas, as a key hub for Diehl Defence’s operations.

Looking beyond this phase, Diehl Defence plans additional developments at the Nonnweiler site, further enhancing its capacity. These expansions come alongside a growing workforce in Saarland, which is expected to increase from just under 700 employees in October 2024 to over 800 by the end of 2025. All developments will be carried out with a focus on environmental sustainability and safety for both employees and the local community.

Minister Jürgen Barke welcomed the investment, stating: “The expansion of the company’s location in Nonnweiler will bring additional added value and new jobs to the region. I am pleased about the company’s clear commitment to Saarland. It shows that we have the ideal conditions for companies to expand their growth path.”

Environment Minister Petra Berg highlighted the project’s sustainability focus, remarking: “Today, major construction projects must never be considered without the important aspects of sustainability. Thanks to the good and efficient cooperation between Diehl Defence, the State Office for the Environment and Occupational Safety, and the responsible forestry authority, we have accelerated crucial approval processes and simultaneously created a balance for environmental protection and nature conservation.”

Diehl Defence CFO Thomas Bodenmüller emphasised the strategic importance of the expansion, saying: “With today’s ground-breaking ceremony, Diehl Defence is beginning to realise its growth forecasts at the Nonnweiler location in Saarland, as it is taking place at all our other locations. With the capacity gained, the company will contribute to the defence capability of the Federal Republic of Germany and other countries.”

The expanded facilities will enable Diehl Defence to meet increasing demand for its products, which include ground-based air defence systems, guided missiles, and ammunition. These are supplied primarily to the German Armed Forces and NATO countries.