German arms and automotive company Rheinmetall has broken ground on a combined automotive and defence factory in Szeged, Hungary.
It will be the company’s first large-scale hybrid site making advanced components for civilian electrical vehicles and military equipment.
If all goes to plan, it will begin production by the end of next year.
Present at the ceremony was Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Hungary’s defence minister. He commented: “With this investment, which includes the creation of 300 high-value-added jobs, a world-class ecosystem and knowledge base will be established, with the participation of city and regional universities.
“This means that Hungarian experts and engineers will be able to participate in one of the most important research and development projects in Europe.”
Rheinmetall is already assembling its Lynx armoured infantry vehicles in the central Hungarian city of Zalaegerszeg. The company has also announced plans to increase production of 155mm artillery ammunition in Europe, under an EU funding programme.
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