Stadler invests EUR 44 million as train commissioning capacity reaches its limits in Switzerland

Stadler has begun construction of a new commissioning facility in Weinfelden, Switzerland, after its existing centre in Erlen approached capacity limits. The expansion addresses a less visible part of rolling stock production: the work that follows vehicle assembly. Before a new train can begin trials on the public railway network, its electrical, mechanical and control systems must undergo commissioning and functional testing. Stadler currently carries out much of this work at its facility in Erlen, in the canton of Thurgau. The company reports that increased productivity at its Swiss manufacturing sites has put pressure on the centre, while space for further expansion is limited. The new facility in nearby Weinfelden will provide additional commissioning capacity without relocating existing production activities. Operations are expected to begin in the first half of 2028. At the centre of the investment is a 210-metre-long hall with four indoor tracks and one outdoor track. The building will be 35 metres wide and 16 metres high, with additional areas for final assembly work, painting, storage and technical staff. An adjacent electrified track installation, with a combined length of 750 metres, will allow newly assembled rolling stock to make its first powered movements and undergo functional checks. These procedures precede further testing on the public railway network. The development required additional land for the track installation. On 11 June 2026, Weinfelden's municipal parliament approved the sale of approximately 3,963 square metres along Brunnenwiesenstrasse to Stadler Rail Schweiz. The land acquisition enabled the company to proceed with the planned test tracks. Construction officially began on 3 November, with the new centre located close to Stadler's headquarters and manufacturing activities in Bussnang. Stadler expects to create around 80 jobs, primarily for commissioning electricians and automation specialists.