• Lively celebration for the region: Open day attracts several thousand visitors
• Grand reception: Opel CEO Huettl, Managing Director Human Resources Wangemann and Plant Manager Stern welcome Minister for Economic Affairs Ebling, IG Metall Chair Benner, Lord Mayor Kimmel and other VIPs
• Exciting programme: A look behind the scenes, Astra test drives, classic car exhibition, current models and the visionary Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car
• Ongoing success story: Site today as an important parts supplier in the group

Thousands of visitors flocked to the factory site in Kaiserslautern on Saturday in glorious sunshine. The ‘60 Years of Opel in Kaiserslautern’ anniversary celebrations offered guests a varied programme: With the chance to test drive the new Opel Astra, a classic car exhibition and displays such as the stunning high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car, employees, their families and friends, as well as all Opel fans, were able to get to know the plant from a completely different perspective – and take a look behind the scenes.

Prominent guests from the worlds of politics, business, sport and society also took advantage of this opportunity. Opel CEO and Managing Director Stellantis Germany, Florian Huettl, welcomed Michael Ebling, Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, Energy and Climate; Christiane Benner, Chair of IG Metall; Beate Kimmel, Lord Mayor of Kaiserslautern; and other guests of honour to the anniversary celebrations.

“60 years of production in Kaiserslautern – at a time when an entire industry is undergoing transformation – is far more than just a milestone anniversary. It is a powerful display of industrial expertise, performance, and our ability to compete and adapt – even, and especially, under challenging conditions. Today, Kaiserslautern is a key hub in our global production network, which continues to develop steadily thanks to the passionate commitment of all our employees. I would like to thank everyone for this dedication,” said Florian Huettl, together with Ralph Wangemann, Managing Director Human Resources and Labour Director of Opel Automobile GmbH and Head of Human Resources at Stellantis in Germany, and Plant Manager Bilyana Stern, addressing the employees and guests.

Minister for Economic Affairs Michael Ebling offered his congratulations: “The 60th anniversary of the Opel components plant in Kaiserslautern symbolises industrial strength, innovative power and the dedication of many employees. The site is more than just a factory; it is a defining feature of the city of Kaiserslautern and a key economic driver for the region, supplying plants worldwide. The fact that so many people are joining in the anniversary celebrations demonstrates the close bond between the company, its employees and the local community. I offer my warmest congratulations on this 60th anniversary and I am convinced that the plant will continue to write the next chapters of its success story with the same reliability, flexibility and innovative spirit.”

“60 years of Opel in Kaiserslautern is, above all, about the people who have shaped and sustained this site over the decades. The fact that the plant has consistently held its ground and successfully evolved is a testament to their dedication and high level of expertise. With a skilled workforce, modern production conditions, a central location in Europe, and close ties to science and research, the Kaiserslautern site is ideally positioned for a successful future," said Beate Kimmel, Mayor of Kaiserslautern.

From classic car rally to football: Celebrations show Opel’s roots in the region

Early risers could enjoy the day’s first highlight even before the official start of the anniversary celebrations. At around 8.30 CEST, the 4th ADAC Trifels Oldtimerwanderung of the Sportfahrer Union Kaiserslautern set off from the factory grounds. At 10 CEST, the plant then opened its gates to visitors – who were treated to a host of experiences over the following hours. During a guided tour, interested visitors learnt about the processes in the press shop and in component production. After all, around 400 different components are manufactured in Kaiserslautern. More than 350,000 parts produced here leave the plant every day in all directions of Europe, where they are then fitted into more than 30 different Opel and Stellantis models – the top-of-the-line Opel Grandland SUV alone contains over 100 parts that are manufactured in Kaiserslautern.

Naturally, the spotlight was also on the models bearing the iconic Opel Blitz emblem – first and foremost the new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The latest variants of the compact class bestsellers ‘made in Germany’ were available for test drives, and numerous guests took full advantage of this occasion. Before or afterwards, they were able to take a look at the brand’s rich heritage at the classic car exhibition, which showcased rare models from the Opel Classic collection. The company’s highly dynamic vision of the future was also on display – in the form of the 588 kW (800 hp) all-electric high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car.

Just how closely Opel is linked to the region was also demonstrated by the special guests from the world of sport who attended the anniversary celebrations, much to the delight of many fans: Gero Scira, Chairman of the Board of 1. FC Kaiserslautern e.V., and FCK legend Florian Dick represented the football club and were happy to sign autographs. As an official ‘Herz der Pfalz’ (Heart of the Palatinate) partner, Opel is joining forces with 1. FC Kaiserslautern to mark this anniversary year with activities centred on youth sport, women’s football and e-sports, thereby sending a clear signal about the strength and sustainable development of the region.

The band ‘Roof Rabbits’ provided excellent musical entertainment throughout the afternoon. Meanwhile, even the youngest visitors were able to let off steam on the factory premises: whether it was the bouncy castle, the Bobby Car and obstacle courses, the mini-kart track, car painting, goal-shooting or various games of skill – there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. And for the ‘grown-up’ youngsters, Opel’s vocational training team provided exciting information about Opel as an employer. As a result, the open day marking ‘60 Years of Opel in Kaiserslautern’ became a celebration for the whole family – and an event that demonstrated just how closely the manufacturer is linked to its Kaiserslautern site.