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'Qualified People Are Our Biggest Challenge' - A Conversation with Michael Leisgang

'Qualified People Are Our Biggest Challenge' - A Conversation with Michael Leisgang
photo: RAILTARGET/'Qualified People Are Our Biggest Challenge' - A Conversation with Michael Leisgang
21 / 06 / 2023

The RAILTARGET editorial team recently had the privilege of touring the Siemens Mobility plant in Vienna, where the forward-thinking ComfortJets are being constructed for Czech Railways. During our visit, we had a chance to talk to Michael Leisgang, Manager of the Siemens Mobility Plant. We discussed the innovative features of the new generation of trains and delved into the manufacturing process, future technologies, and the challenges faced in an ever-evolving industry.

How many tours like this do you usually organize? 

On average, we have about one or two tours a week. 

And are you planning more in the future just like this one?

Yes, it's been like this since after COVID-19, everybody is interested in seeing cars physically.

I can imagine! What are the most interesting technologies that you are using right now?

For the kind of cars that we use, the latest technology is spot welding robots, and on other cars, it would be welding robots, friction welding machines, automatic strengthenings, automatic grinding and painting. 

Is there any technology you're planning to implement in the future?

At the moment, the trains are going straight towards utilization, a kind of production process, and machine twins to increase the effectiveness of the robots and technologies. 

And what is the biggest challenge you're facing right now? 

Currently, the biggest challenge is qualified people. Those highly motivated, interested and fascinated by trains and capable of working with technology. We are talking about dual education –university and apprenticeship– high-tech manufacturing and welding, high-tech manufacturing and driving, and high-tech manufacturing and painting... All kinds of skilled employees. We are educating more than fifty a year ourselves.

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