In a major move that underscores its long-term commitment to Germany as an industrial hub, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH has officially broken ground on a new 54-hectare site in Ehingen-Berg. This expansion represents the largest industrial investment in southern Germany by a family-owned company and aims to optimize Liebherr’s crane production and logistics operations.
The new development, announced on 10 September 2025, comes after the company acquired the site in June and will complement its existing 1 million square metre facility in Ehingen. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by several political and business leaders, who hailed the investment as a bold vote of confidence in local industry despite global economic pressures and rising competition from China.
Future-Proofing Crane Production
Liebherr’s expansion strategy is driven by growing demand for larger cranes and the need for more efficient production workflows. The company plans to relocate several key production and logistics processes from the main plant to the new site. The first phase of development includes land preparation and the construction of a modern customer centre complete with a dispatch wing.
Some employees from the main facility will also be moved to the new premises, which will be known internally as “LWE-Süd” (Liebherr-Werk Ehingen South). According to Liebherr’s Commercial Director Daniel Pitzer, the expansion is both a sign of appreciation for their workforce and a necessary step to meet future challenges: “We are investing today to be ready for tomorrow.”
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Liebherr is making sure the new site reflects its environmental values. Ulrich Heusel, Managing Director of Production at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen, confirmed that operations at the new plant will be free of fossil fuels. Instead, the company will use electric-powered vehicles and construct buildings to meet Germany’s KfW energy efficiency standards.
This emphasis on green operations is part of Liebherr’s broader sustainability strategy, aligning with growing global expectations for clean and efficient industrial practices. The company is also aiming to return previously rented logistics spaces to consolidate its operations on owned land.
Political and Regional Support
The ceremony saw strong backing from regional leaders. Manuel Hagel, CDU parliamentary group leader in the Stuttgart state parliament, called the move “an important sign for Baden-Württemberg as an industrial location.” Klaus Tappeser, regional president of the Tübingen administrative district, echoed the sentiment: “This investment ensures prosperity for our region.”
Ehingen Mayor Alexander Baumann emphasized the community benefits, calling the expansion a forward-looking investment in the town’s future. Heiner Scheffold, District Administrator of Alb-Donau, added, “This shows our region’s appeal to world-class, innovative companies.”
The Bigger Picture
With over 5,000 employees, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is already the largest employer in the Alb-Donau district. In 2024, the plant delivered around 2,000 mobile and crawler cranes and recorded a turnover of €3.2 billion. The expansion will further solidify its status as a global leader in crane manufacturing.
As part of the Liebherr Group, which posted over €14 billion in revenue in 2024 and employs more than 50,000 people worldwide, the Ehingen facility is a cornerstone of the company’s operations. The expansion marks a strong push for industrial modernization, job stability, and environmental leadership in the region.
