Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger suggested that Volkswagen’s Osnabrueck plant could be converted for military production, as Volkswagen explores repurposing or selling the site. Papperger expressed interest in acquiring car manufacturing sites, but emphasized that large defense orders, such as for Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, would be needed before making such an investment. Volkswagen announced in December 2024 that it was reviewing alternative uses for the plant, raising hopes that a sale could help preserve jobs. While Rheinmetall and Volkswagen already collaborate on military truck production, Papperger clarified that there is no formal plan for Osnabrueck yet. However, he stated that before building a new tank factory in Germany, Rheinmetall would consider existing industrial sites like Osnabrueck.
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