Robel Holding GmbH (ROH) has taken an important step in expanding its testing and commissioning capabilities by acquiring a 24.7% stake in Chiemgauer Lokalbahn Betriebsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG (CLB) with effect from 9 August 2023. CLB, which leases the Bad Endorf - Obing railway line, has been used by Robel since 2016 for the commissioning, test runs, and acceptance of large rail-bound vehicles.
Chiemgauer Lokalbahn e.V., a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of the single-track, non-electrified branch line from Bad Endorf to Obing, plays an important role in the cooperation. The line is not only used for weekend events with historic vehicles but is also rented out to third parties during the week.
This strategic move not only consolidates Robel's access to a topographically favorable 18 km test track close to its production site in Freilassing, but also establishes an important partnership for technical support and maintenance. Tobias Scharbert, Head of Test Field & Commissioning at Robel Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH, will assume the role of the new Managing Director Infrastructure at CLB.
"By testing track-laying machines under real-life conditions, we can achieve a high level of delivery readiness and ensure that the machine is ready for immediate use when handed over to the customer," said Manuela Ruhland, Head of Business Development at ROBEL Holding.
