After nearly two years of construction and the recent relocation of machinery and equipment, Weidmüller celebrated the official opening of its new electronics plant on Friday, 5 September 2025. The electrical connectivity and automation company invested around €60 million in the project – one of the largest single investments in the company’s history.
Among the guests at the opening ceremony was Daniel Sieveke, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Regional Identity, Local Government, Building and Digitalisation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, who remarked:
“The new electronics factory is more than just a building – it represents opportunity, progress, and a strong future here in Detmold, in East Westphalia-Lippe, and throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a place where ideas become innovations, and where people shape the future together.”
Production in the Region, for the Region
By building its new electronics plant in Detmold, the family-owned company is making a clear statement about its commitment to Germany as an industrial hub. The facility will produce electronic components and house printed circuit board assembly, plastics production, assembly, and logistics.
“We deliberately chose Detmold for this investment. Here at our headquarters, we benefit from direct synergies with our development department as well as our machine, plant engineering, and toolmaking capabilities,” explains Dr. Sebastian Durst, CEO of the Weidmüller Group. “Our new plant reflects our ‘In the region, for the region’ strategy: in Germany, we primarily manufacture for the European market, strengthening regional resilience in light of geopolitical uncertainties and reducing supply chain risks.”
Room for Innovation
The new facility is built with growth in mind. By 2030, the number of machines and systems is expected to double, while staffing levels are projected to increase from today’s 70 employees to around 300.
“This plant opens up entirely new possibilities for creating added value for our customers. As a technology leader, we will design and produce electronic innovations that address the global megatrends of electrification, automation, and digitalisation. Put simply: this is where the future is being made,” says Dr. Durst.
Short Transport Routes, Integrated Production
The new plant already manufactures Weidmüller’s u-remote I/O system, which serves as an interface between machines and control systems. The system is used wherever machines or facilities need to be automatically monitored and controlled – in production lines, individual machines, conveyor systems, and process technology. All processing and assembly steps for the system, from PCB assembly to plastics and metalworking, take place under one roof at the Detmold site.
Weidmüller’s compact PICOPAK isolating amplifier and measuring transducer, which ensures precise, interference-free signal transmission, is also manufactured at the new electronics plant.
Sustainable Building Concept
Sustainability played a central role in the design of the nearly 19,000 m² multi-storey production hall. Reversible heat pumps are used to both heat and cool the building, while production waste heat is recovered and reused. Any additional heating needs are met via district heating. A rooftop photovoltaic system with a capacity of 640 kWp supplies a significant portion of the plant’s energy demand.
Construction began in Q2 2023, with the foundation stone laid in summer 2023. The building was formally handed over by the general contractor at the end of January 2025 – exactly on schedule. The subsequent relocation of machinery and equipment was also completed as planned, and production has been ramping up gradually over recent months.