31. October 2025, 13:19 o'Clock
Austria
Article: DB Cargo train drivers experience steelworks up close: factory visit to voestalpine in Linz
Rail connects – How train drivers learn about the importance of their transport services for the local steel industry.
Around 40 train drivers from DB Cargo were given an exclusive insight into steel production at voestalpine in Linz. Directly on the factory tracks, travelling in true steel tradition with the historic steam locomotive ‘Dora’, the tour took them across the extensive factory premises: from the delivery of raw materials to the imposing blast furnaces and the state-of-the-art rolling mills.
Experience steel production, strengthen cooperation
The aim of this unusual factory tour was to raise awareness of the close connection between industrial production and rail transport. DB Cargo's transport services are an essential part of voestalpine's supply chains: they ensure a continuous supply of raw materials to the production facilities and guarantee that high-quality steel is reliably delivered to customers throughout Europe – especially in the automotive industry.
The day not only offered exciting impressions, but also provided an opportunity for personal exchange. In dialogue with CargoServ, voestalpine's own railway transport company, the long-standing cooperation was deepened. Both companies jointly manage the complex supply chains of steel production and demonstrate how partnership-based logistics works in practice.
Markus Schinko, Managing Director of LogServ and CargoServ, emphasised:‘Rail transport is a key success factor for our production and for a sustainable steel industry. Our cooperation with DB Cargo is based on partnership and innovation. With this event, we want to show how crucial the work of train drivers is for our daily operations.’
The campaign was also very well received at DB Cargo. Katja Sander, Head of BU Steel, said:‘The direct insight into production gives our employees an even better understanding of the importance of their transport operations. This creates identification and motivation.’
With this factory tour, voestalpine is sending a strong signal about the importance of environmentally friendly rail transport and its close cooperation with DB Cargo. Both are crucial for a future-oriented and sustainable steel industry.
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