MAN Truck & Bus announced this summer that it will invest up to €1.2 billion to modernise its production facility in Krakow, Poland, a move that comes just months after its parent company Volkswagen shut down the historic Dresden plant – the first closure in Germany for the automaker in its 88‑year history. The Polish investment aims to secure jobs, expand capacity and keep the region’s supply chain intact, while the Dresden shutdown has left workers and local officials searching for new direction.
The €1.2 billion plan will fund new assembly lines, advanced robotics and greener manufacturing processes, according to MAN executives. The upgrade is expected to create around 300 additional jobs over the next five years, bolstering the local economy that already depends heavily on the truck and bus sector. Workers at the Krakow plant welcomed the news, describing it as a lifeline that will preserve their livelihoods and allow the plant to remain competitive in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.
Background and context
Volkswagen’s decision to end production at Dresden in early 2024 marked a symbolic shift for the German automotive giant, which had operated the site since the 1930s. The closure was driven by a strategic pivot toward electric vehicles and a need to rationalise capacity across its commercial‑vehicle brands. The move sparked criticism from German trade unions and raised concerns about the future of skilled manufacturing jobs in the region.