Skip to main content
Allgemein

Europe visits BVV

By Wednesday April 7th, 2021October 11th, 2023No Comments

A successful start to the “European Year of Rail 2021”: Bochum MEP Dennis Radtke was able to see for himself during his visit on 1 April that the “old” industries of the Ruhr region are at the forefront of the journey into the future. Above all, the BVV was able to present viable concepts for new products, cooperative collaboration between management and works council, and environmental protection.

After all, it is not self-evident that the steel industry is pushing for more environmental protection: for savings in energy use, the economical use of resources and energy-saving products. This was not the only reason why Dennis Radtke was quite taken with the presentation of the BVV team under the leadership of the new BVV CEO Stefan Hölzl, who wants to make production and products, transport and logistics more ecological and, for example, make greater use of solar energy.

In this context, the increased shift of material and goods transport from lorries to rail also belongs, which is why MEP Radtke supports the plans for a (re-)connection of the Bochum plant site to the rail Network.

The MEP was also impressed by Bochum’s leading position in innovations in the field of material and wheel development: especially the worldwide unique position in field-tested “super-light hybrid wheels” with aluminium cores for underground and city trains and the high-speed wheels made of extra-hard special steel are regarded as innovation ambassadors of the Ruhr region all over the world. “It’s good that we have a company with a global reputation in Bochum. Good for the region, good for the people.” (MEP Radtke)

The works council chair made it clear that the preservation of qualified jobs also requires corresponding political framework conditions – keyword: “financial support for structural change”. Hannes Debski: “We are all working together here – but without Europe, the companies cannot meet the immense challenges. Hannes Debski also emphasised the importance of BVV as a training company. “We absolutely have to maintain this strength,” said the works council chairman.”

With reference to the extremely positive development of BVV since its takeover by a Chinese holding company in 2017, the Chinese shareholders also expressed the urgent wish for a continued positive and trouble-free economic relationship between China and Europe. China is one of the growth regions for rail transport and continues to be indispensable as a partner for German companies.

During the online presentations by Bochum BVV employees – a novelty that attracted attention – and during the subsequent pandemic-compatible tour of the plant, the more difficult conditions of production under Corona conditions also came up. It was considered particularly positive that BVV – as a system-relevant company – has been able to continue its work without disruptions thanks to a comprehensive protection concept and the intensive cooperation of practically all employees.

Both sides were able to take away valuable suggestions from the exchange and agreed to expand the contact. Stefan Hölzl: “The bridge to Europe is of crucial importance for us as a globally operating company. We look forward to further exchange.”

MEP Dennis Radtke (right) and BVV CEO Stefan Hölzl on a tour of the plant – with the safety distance in accordance with the rules, of Course.

Contact for queries:
Bochumer Verein Verkehrstechnik GmbH
Alleestr. 70
44793 Bochum
Astrid Huke 0234 6891 144 (from 12.04.2021)
Andrea Maag 0234 6891 669 (Deputy)