Rail manufacturer Stadler has officially started construction of a new commissioning centre in Weinfelden, Switzerland, marking a major investment in its growing production capabilities and creating approximately 80 new skilled jobs in the region. The company is investing around CHF 40 million in the facility, which is scheduled to enter service during the first half of 2028.
The development comes as productivity at Stadler's Swiss manufacturing sites continues to increase, pushing its existing commissioning centre in Erlen to capacity. With limited scope for further expansion at that location, the new facility in Weinfelden will provide the additional capacity needed to test, commission and prepare new rail vehicles for passenger service.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Stadler representatives alongside Simon Wolfer, Mayor of Weinfelden, and representatives from MP Architektur AG.
New investment strengthens Stadler's presence in Eastern Switzerland
Speaking at the event, Lucius Gerig, Head of Division Switzerland at Stadler, highlighted the significance of the project for both the company and the region.
“I am proud that today we are laying the foundation for another chapter of Stadler’s success story in Eastern Switzerland. The fact that we need an additional commissioning centre demonstrates how positively our Swiss sites have developed. At the same time, this investment will create around 80 new jobs in the region. That gives me particular pleasure.”
The new roles are expected to focus primarily on commissioning activities, with demand anticipated for specialist electricians and automation technicians.
City support helps unlock major rail infrastructure project
The City of Weinfelden played a key role in enabling the project through the sale of land required for the test track facility.
Simon Wolfer, Mayor of Weinfelden, said:
“We recognise Stadler’s importance in terms of value creation in the Middle Thurgau region and beyond. We are pleased that, through the sale of land to Stadler for the test track facility, we were able to pave the way for this project.
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Four-track commissioning hall and dedicated test facility
The new commissioning centre will feature a purpose-built hall approximately 210 metres long, 35 metres wide and 16 metres high. The facility will include four indoor tracks and one outdoor track, alongside offices, meeting rooms, staff welfare areas, workshops, storage facilities and dedicated paint finishing operations.
A further key element of the development will be the construction of 750 metres of electrified test track directly north of the building.
These tracks will allow newly built vehicles to undergo their first operational tests before moving onto the public rail network for further validation and approval activities.
Growing capacity for future rail vehicle deliveries
Headquartered in Bussnang, Switzerland, Stadler employs around 11,000 people across production and service locations worldwide and manufactures a wide range of passenger trains, trams, metros and locomotives.
Once operational, the new Weinfelden commissioning centre will play a critical role in supporting future vehicle deliveries and maintaining efficient production flows across Stadler's expanding Swiss operations.
Image credits: Stadler
