25 Years Ago: One Millionth Opel “Made in Eisenach” is Produced

• November 10, 1999: Black Opel Corsa B “Edition 100” is milestone vehicle
• Strong signal: First automotive plant founded in the new federal states after German reunification
• Eisenach today: Home of the Opel Grandland is an ultra-modern plant for electrified vehicles

Eisenach and automotive production belong together, and Opel and Eisenach have enjoyed close ties for over three decades. The brand with the Blitz was one of the first companies to become involved in the new federal states in 1990, the year of German reunification, laying the foundations for a success story that continues to this day – with cars ‘made in Eisenach’. The one millionth Opel rolled off the production line at the Thuringian plant on November 10, 1999: a black Corsa B in the ‘Edition 100’ trim level.

The plant has continuously developed over the decades and had reason to celebrate again recently. In April, the all-new Opel Grandland celebrated its world premiere in Eisenach. The new electrified top SUV has recently been produced in the Wartburg town, making it a true ‘Eisenacher’. With the new Opel Grandland, the plant is well-positioned for the future.

Eisenach plant: First Opel vehicles produced in 1990

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, those responsible at Opel at the time quickly recognised the potential offered by the traditional automotive location of Eisenach. As early as March 1990, Opel founded Opel-AWE-Planungs-GmbH together with Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE), thereby promoting economic development in Thuringia. Just two days after official reunification, on October 5, 1990, the first Opel Vectra rolled off the production line in an AWE plant. In February 1991, the foundation stone is laid for the new factory in the Eisenach. After a construction period of just 19 months and a total investment of around one billion German marks, the new Eisenach plant starts production of the Opel Astra in September 1992. And on 3 June 1993, the first Opel Corsa ‘made in Germany’ drives off the production line.

From then on, Opel production in Eisenach boomed. Due to the high demand, production in the first half of the 1990s is at times focussed exclusively on the best-selling small car. The Corsa is so popular with customers that just nine years after the start of car production at the site and only six years after the first Corsa from Eisenach, the one millionth Opel produced here rolls off the production line. On November 10, 1999, exactly 10 years to the day after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a 48 kW (65 hp) black Corsa ‘Edition’ made its way from final assembly in Thuringia to its buyer in Regensburg, Bavaria.

Success factors: state-of-the-art production and continuous development

Right from the start, the plant in Eisenach undergoes continuous development to ensure its success. It quickly sets standards in terms of environmental compatibility, manufacturing technology and production systems. There are five fundamental principles: employee involvement, continuous improvement, quality assurance from the outset, standardisation and short throughput times thanks to perfectly organised logistics. As a result, the plant is subsequently recognised several times as the most modern and productive automotive production facility in Europe.

In 2012, the Astra and Corsa were joined by the Opel ADAM. Since the extensive modernisation of the production facilities in 2019, the plant has been solely responsible for the Opel Grandland SUV.

For the all-new Opel Grandland: Eisenach becomes an ‘electrified plant’

The all-new Opel Grandland, which celebrated its world premiere on site earlier this year and has been available to order for a few weeks, now rolls off the production line in Eisenach – and the demands on the site beforehand were significant. After all, the new generation of the top-of-the-line SUV is also available as a fully electric Grandland Electric for the first time. The new Grandland is the first model from the German manufacturer to be based on the ultra-modern, BEV-native STLA Medium platform and, with a battery capacity of up to 97 kWh (usable capacity), enables a locally emissions-free range of up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP 1).

To make the Eisenach plant ready for the production of electrified models, the company invested €130 million in the site and developed it into a genuine ‘electrified plant’ in numerous areas. For example, significant changes have been made to the production process with modifications in the body shop and final assembly. In addition, the entire conveyor systems were adapted and reinforced, the body shell was fully automated and many state-of-the-art camera systems were installed in the various areas for detailed inspection. A new battery shop has also been created, in which the battery packs for the electric Grandland are assembled on site. Specialised high-voltage experts have been trained for this task.

The fact that Eisenach is also planning a solar park to supply the plant with ‘green’ energy fits in perfectly with the new, electric Opel Grandland and its own battery assembly. In this way, the gradual switch to renewable energies is also helping to ensure that the plant is sustainably positioned for the future and can continue its success story.

[1] Preliminary range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning. Preliminary values, vehicle not available yet.

Jubilee in Thuringian Plant: 30 Years of Opel in Eisenach

• After reunification: Opel one of the first carmakers in the new federal states
• “Opel counts on Eisenach”: Cars with Blitz leave plant in top quality since 1992
• Youngest “Eisenacher”: Opel Grandland SUV only produced in Eisenach
• Big jubilee: Celebration and open day on Saturday, September 17

Thirty years ago, Opel opened a plant in Eisenach that stands for the most modern production conditions and the highest quality. Since then, many Opel bestsellers from the Astra to the Corsa to the ADAM have left the Thuringian factory. Today, brand's top SUV model, Opel Grandland, rolls off the assembly line; electrified as a plug-in hybrid with highly efficient combustion engines. 30 years of Opel in Eisenach means 30 years of pioneering spirit and automobile production in one of the most modern plants in Europe. On Saturday, September 17, Opel is inviting all families and friends of the brand to an open day, and the official ceremony that takes place beforehand will be attended by the Thuringian Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow and Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“Eisenach has stood for the finest quality for 30 years. At this traditional automobile production site, employees have manufactured numerous Opel bestsellers for delivery to customers. With the production of the Opel Grandland and the Grandland plug-in hybrid on an advanced Multi-Energy Platform, Eisenach is an important part of our electrification offensive,” says Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“For more than 30 years, our team spirit has driven us to top performance time and time again,” explains Plant Manager Jörg Escher. “Since opening in 1992, the plant and the employees have repeatedly set standards with innovative spirit and drive, even in economically challenging times. This solidarity continues to distinguish us. For Opel and above all for our customers.”

Opel among the first West German carmakers in the new federal states

On September 23, 1992, with former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and the employees in attendance, the first ever Opel Astra “made in Eisenach” drove off the production line. The plant soon became one of the most modern in the world in terms of environmental sustainability, manufacturing technology and production systems. And it is also an integral part of the city and the region.

Only eight months after start of production of the Astra, the first Corsa drove off the production line in 1993. First Corsa “made in Eisenach” is also the first ever Corsa “made in Germany”. Previously, it had only been built in the Spanish plant in Zaragoza. 

In 2012, the small car welcomed a brother to its home – the stylish Opel ADAM, which was produced in Eisenach until May 2019. €190 million had been invested in the plant for its production.

After reunification, Opel is one of the first West German carmakers to commit itself to the new federal states. Simultaneously the company laid the foundations for the revitalization of automotive production in the region by opening the new plant and investing more than one billion Deutsch Mark. Furthermore, Opel also created numerous new jobs, also within the supplier industry.

Company is the first European manufacturer to introduce completely new manufacturing methods when the new Opel production system was implemented. It is based on five guided principles: employee involvement, continuous improvement, quality control from the start, standardization and short throughput times thanks to smooth logistics.

Opel plant in Eisenach has also been setting standard in environmental management since its opening. Recycling loops to re-use production residues or a state-of-the-art water retreatment plant are just two examples of the sustainable system.

During all these years, the Eisenach plant “reinvented” itself again and again. The small-car bestseller Opel Corsa was manufactured here until 2019, but now the employees at the plant produce the current top Opel SUV – the Grandland, which is also the first electrified Blitz model from Eisenach.

A glimpse behind the scenes

On Saturday, September 17, a ceremony with Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow and Opel CEO Florian Huettl will open the anniversary celebrations for “30 years of Opel Eisenach”. At the open day between 10.00 and 15.00 CET, visitors will have the opportunity to learn something about the eventful history of the plant up close. In the three production areas they will receive interesting information about the production of the Opel Grandland. Outside the halls, all the models previously manufactured in Eisenach will be presented, plus many other highlights from Opel's 160-year history.

Very Special Anniversary: 30 Years Opel from Eisenach

• Start in 1990: Opel Vectra A first model produced in Eisenach
• German unity: Major investments in the site
• Good utilization: Sustainable future thanks to production of Opel Grandland X
• Remarkable figure: More than 3.5 million vehicles produced in Eisenach until today

Opel Grandland X from Eisenach

30 years of German reunification and 30 years of Opel from Eisenach – there is reason to celebrate this October. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl drove the first Opel from Eisenach – an Opel Vectra 1.6i – off the assembly line on October 5, 1990. Opel was thus one of the first companies to commit to creating new, promising jobs in East Germany. 

Opel Vectra A 1.6i

For almost two years, around 200 employees produced 10,000 units of the successful mid-range model annually in a former production hall of the Eisenach automobile factory (AWE). At the same time, Opel started developing the current plant which was officially inaugurated in 1992. So far, more than 3.5 million vehicles have been produced and some €1.5 billion invested in this plant.

“We are very proud of our team in Eisenach and the excellent work that has been done here for 30 years,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “Opel was the first German carmaker to commit significant investments to the site directly after the reunification of the country and thus played in important part in German unity. So far, more than 3.5 Million cars in outstanding Eisenach quality have left the production line and our plant in Thuringia plays a key role in the transformation of the automotive industry. Electrified versions of the Opel Grandland X are impressive proof of this.”

Opel Grandland X 

From day one, Opel has consistently implemented a new production system in Eisenach. Planned according to the principles of lean manufacturing and equipped with the most modern systems, the Thuringian location works with particularly high productivity and quality. Extensive modernization work was carried out at the plant last year to enable the localization of Groupe PSA's EMP2 platform. Almost no stone was left unturned. Among other things, the “marriage” - the connection between chassis and bodywork - has been completely modernized and a more efficient and environmentally friendly painting process has been introduced.

Opel Grandland X 

Extensive refurbishment work and the production of the Opel Grandland X not only ensure a sustainable future for the plant. They are also an important pillar in Opel's electrification offensive. The successful SUV – whether as a plug-in hybrid or with a classic combustion engine – rolls off the assembly line in Eisenach.

Overview of all Opel models made in Eisenach:

• Opel Vectra A from 1990 to 1992
• Opel Astra F from 1992 to 1995
• Opel Corsa B from 1993 to 2000
• Opel Astra G from 1998 to 2003
• Opel Corsa C from 2000 to 2006
• Opel Corsa D from 2006 to 2014
• Opel ADAM from 2013 to 2019
• Opel ADAM Rocks from 2014 to 2019
• Opel Corsa E from 2014 to 2019
• Opel ADAM S from 2015 to 2019
• Opel Grandland X since 2019
• Opel Grandland X PHEV since 2020

Everything started with a democratic decision in 1990

It is thanks to the founding fathers Wolfram Liedtke and Louis R. Hughes that there was even an Opel plant in Eisenach. Managing director of the Eisenach automobile factory (AWE) Liedtke and the then Opel CEO Hughes are the ones who advocate the location despite resolute resistance. Because actually the GDR automobile combine has other plans for the AWE. However, since it has been unclear for a long time what these plans will look like and thus the future of the people in Eisenach is uncertain, Opel present a convincing concept. Liedtke then manages to leave the combine and to find his own way for Eisenach.

Workforce fully supports Liedtke and resolutely stands up for their plant and their future. At an all employee meeting in 1990, decisions are made democratically. Opel board member Hughes makes a special trip and answers all questions from the employees, who then vote in favour of Opel’s commitment by a large majority.

Then everything happens really fast, always under the motto “Opel banks on Eisenach”. With the new Opel production system, the company is the first European manufacturer to introduce entirely new production methods in Eisenach. There are five fundamental principles: the involvement of employees, continuous improvement, quality assurance from the start, standardization and short lead times thanks to perfectly organized logistics.

Opel in Eisenach has also set the highest standards in the area of environmental management from the start. Recycling cycles for the reuse of production residues or a modern water treatment plant that meets the highest demands are just two examples of the sustainable system.

“Opel Banks on Eisenach”: The Thuringian Plant Opened 25 Years ago

• After reunification: Opel one of the first manufacturers in the new federal states
• Large anniversary celebration: Open day on September 30 from 10:00 CET
• Behind the scenes: How Opel ADAM and Opel Corsa are built 

September 23, 1992 was a special day in Opel’s history because on this day the company opened its plant in Eisenach. With former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in and the employees in attendance, the first ever Opel Astra “made in Eisenach” drove off the production line. Today, the plant located in the direct vicinity of the famous Wartburg is one of the most modern in the world in terms of environmental sustainability, manufacturing technology and production systems. And it is also an integral part of the city and the region. Around 1,800 employees produce the Opel Corsa, the Opel ADAM along with its ADAM ROCKS and ADAM S sibling here. The carmaker will celebrate the anniversary with an open day on September 30. Employees with their families, Opel aficionados and all interested parties from the Eisenach region are invited to attend.

“The Opel plant in Eisenach has been setting standards ever since its opening 25 years ago,” said plant manager Pieter Ruts. “We have developed a new production system and established a sophisticated logistics system. Then as now, the Eisenach plant stands for team spirit and top production quality.”

New beginning with Opel

Two years before the first Astra from Eisenach left the plant, Opel started manufacturing the Vectra in Thuringia, thus becoming the first West German carmaker to commit itself to the new federal states. Simultaneously the company laid the foundations for the revitalization of automotive production in the region by opening the new plant and investing more than one billion Deutsch Mark. Furthermore, Opel also created numerous new jobs, also within the supplier industry.

Only eight months after start of production of the Opel Astra, the first Opel Corsa drove off the production line in 1993. The first Opel Corsa “made in Eisenach” is also the first ever Opel Corsa “made in Germany”. Previously, it had only been built in the Spanish plant in Zaragoza. In 2012, the small car welcomed a brother to its home – the stylish Opel ADAM.

Democratic decision

The two founding fathers behind Opel’s Eisenach plant are Dr. Wolfram Liedtke and Louis Hughes. Liedtke, managing director of the Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE) and former Opel Chairman Hughes battled significant opposition to make a case for the location. Originally, the Automotive Combine of the German Democratic Republic had other plans for the AWE. However, as these plans remain vague for a long time and the future of the people in Eisenach is thus uncertain, Opel decided to present a convincing concept. Liedtke then managed to take AWE out of the combine and Eisenach could forge its own destiny.

The workforce gets behind Liedtke, determined to safeguard the plant and their own future. A democratic decision follows during a staff meeting in 1990. Opel Chairman Hughes travels to Eisenach especially and answers the employee’s questions. In the end, a vast majority votes for a future with Opel.

Then things happen really fast, always under the motto “Opel banks on Eisenach”. The company is the first European manufacturer to introduce completely new manufacturing methods when the new Opel production system was implemented. It is based on five guided principles: employee involvement, continuous improvement, quality control from the start, standardization and short throughput times thanks to smooth logistics.

The Opel plant in Eisenach has also been setting standard in environmental management for its opening. The consistent use of water-soluble paints in the modern paint shop along with recycling loops to re-use production residues in all areas are just two examples of the sustainable system.

But automotive production is not the only thing Opel is concentrating on in Thuringia. A training facility for dealership employees was opened in Eisenach in 2001, where experienced coaches deliver sessions on technical and commercial topics.

Look behind the scenes

On September 30, visitors will be able get close to the eventful history of the plant. For example, when founding fathers Liedtke and Hughes along with Harald Lieske, who was chairman of the works council for many years, receive a special distinction and will talk about their experiences. Furthermore, Opel fans will get the chance to look behind the scenes in production and find out how ADAM and Corsa are built and test or even buy one of the bestsellers from the company’s current product portfolio.

In addition to the central stage, numerous clubs, association and institutions from the region will set up stands. And obviously, there will be an entertaining program for visitors of all age groups. Doors will open for the public at 10:00 CET.