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Apr 17, 2026 at 8:22 AM
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Apr 17, 2026 at 10:47 AM
With a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony, Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG (HGK) has initiated the construction of its new operating facility in Brühl-Vochem. The site „Am Volkspark“ will become a central workplace for the Infrastructure and Maintenance division of HGK in the coming years. Approximately 180 employees, currently distributed across three locations in Köln-Godorf, Wesseling, and Brühl-Vochem, will work at this new site in the future. The aim is to consolidate tasks in the areas of infrastructure and maintenance in one location.
Efficiency Increase through Central Operating Facility
Dr. Jens-Albert Oppel, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of HGK AG, emphasized the project’s significance for public services in the region during the ceremonial event. He stated, „By consolidating the network and workshop locations, we can organize our operational processes much more efficiently. With the new operating facility, we create the conditions to reliably operate and further expand our rail network in the Köln/Bonn area. This makes an important contribution to sustainable mobility and public services.“
The new operating facility will bring together modern office and workshop spaces as well as social areas for employees in the Infrastructure division under one roof. This aims to create contemporary conditions for the planning, operation, and maintenance of the HGK rail network.
Positive Impact on the Economic Location of Brühl
Dr. Marc Prokop, Mayor of the City of Brühl, highlighted the positive effects of the construction project for the region: „The new operating facility strengthens the economic location of Brühl and creates modern jobs. We are pleased about the trusting collaboration with HGK and that this important infrastructure project is being realized in our city.“
HGK is responsible for the operation and management of railway and light rail traffic on approximately 250 kilometers of its own tracks in Köln and the surrounding area. This rail network provides numerous connections between large industrial areas and the Köln ports as logistics hubs on the Rhine. Additionally, the HGK network includes light rail lines 16 and 18, which represent an important connection for commuters between Köln and Bonn.
Specific maintenance measures for rail vehicles are carried out in the already established locomotive and wagon workshops on site. Employees are also qualified for vehicle inspections, including brake revisions and work on train safety and communication systems.
Construction work has already begun in the first quarter of 2026, with the takeover of the new operating facility planned for the summer of 2027. HGK is investing approximately seven million euros in the construction project.
