The first wagons have rolled off the production line at Innoway Trieste, a joint venture between Innofreight and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. On July 2, 2025, the company delivered the first two wagons to Yellow2Rail and Papierholz Austria, symbolizing the start of operations at the new facility.
Production targets and facility overview
Innoway Trieste plans to develop into one of Europe’s largest rail freight wagon manufacturing sites by 2027.
The manufacturing site was established in the former Wartsila ship engine plant, located within Trieste’s industrial area with direct railway access. The current workforce consists of approximately 50 employees, with further hiring and reintegration of staff expected in the following months. The long-term employment target is around 260 qualified positions.
Employees are participating in training programmes focusing on advanced welding, quality management, production processes, and soft skills. These programmes are supported by the EU-funded GOL Project.
Production ramp-up
The facility is currently assembling wagons using prefabricated components supplied by industry partners. In the next phases, the plant will introduce in-house processes, including welding, shot blasting, painting, and structural assembly of frames and components. The production is planned to reach full capacity by 2027.
Role in European rail freight
The Trieste site is positioned to contribute to the modernisation of European rail freight by increasing wagon availability and supporting modal shift from road to rail. The factory's location near the Adriatic Sea connects southern European ports to inland markets along the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, providing a logistical advantage.
Innoway Trieste is a joint initiative by Innofreight, which specialises in rail logistics solutions, and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. Both companies are contributing expertise and networks to develop the manufacturing site and the local workforce.
