IG Metall: Transparent factory to become a place of research

The Volkswagen Transparent Factory in Dresden is to be transformed from a workbench into a science center. At least that's what the IG Metall trade union and the factory's works council have in mind. Their concept, under the motto "A new start - the fascination of research", is based on three pillars, announced IG Metall.

In addition to "research into the car of the future" with a focus on autonomous driving, the "experiential character" of the factory with the assembly of pre-series and special vehicles as well as test tracks and a factory laboratory should be retained, according to IG Metall. In addition, the building on the edge of the Großer Garten in Dresden is to be used for the delivery of other VW Group brands. This would benefit the entire Group by bringing ideas from research into industrial application.

The Works Council and IG Metall speak of "meaningful work for everyone". Increased research, special vehicle construction and expanded sales could compensate for the end of series production. The workforce at Gläserne has been waiting months for answers.

Workforce unsettled after end of series production

Series production of the ID.3 electric car will end here in December "Despite this, there is still no viable concept for all employees of the Transparent Factory from 2026, although this was announced by the VW Board of Management in December 2024," it said. This is unsettling for the workforce. Almost a third of the 300 or so employees would have no meaningful work from 2026.

The VW Transparent Factory was inaugurated in 2001 as a production facility for the VW luxury model Phaeton. Production of this model was discontinued in 2016 and the e-Golf was later produced. A research campus is now being discussed, among other things. VW is negotiating this with the Technical University of Dresden.

There has also been speculation as to whether the Gläserne Manufaktur could serve as a central depot for the Dresden State Art Collections or as the home of a planned academy for the composer Richard Wagner. Both options seem rather unlikely.

IG Metall: Gläserne Manufaktur unique in the world

According to IG Metall and the works council, the Gläserne Manufaktur is still unique in the world and its use is contractually stipulated. Other usage concepts - such as as an office - cannot be implemented without further ado. The aim is to retain "authentic factory conditions" while at the same time taking into account the cost-saving requirements.

"The assembly of cars is the heart of the Transparent Factory. Volkswagen must not put this heart into a coma without implementing a new, good plan for the site and all its employees. With our proposals, we can achieve meaningful employment for the people on site," explained Works Council Chairman Thomas Aehlig. "The employees of the Gläserne Manufaktur are committed to the VW site in Dresden," emphasized trade unionist Stefan Ehly.