DÜSSELDORF, Germany, July 14, 2026 – Kontron has put European-developed 5G Automotive Network Access Devices (NADs) and 5G Industrial M.2 communication modules into series production at its Düsseldorf site. The modules will support connected vehicles, smart factories, rail sector, energy systems, medical devices and critical infrastructure.
Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation, visited the Düsseldorf production site to mark the start of production.
The production line is operated by Kontron Automotive GmbH. Kontron is the only manufacturer developing the modules in Europe and producing them in Germany, with research at its Berlin site and industrial series production in Düsseldorf.
The site expansion is intended to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce dependence on non-European suppliers that dominate the global communication module market.
5G communication modules support Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications by connecting industrial equipments. Kontron modules also support Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), the Europe-wide 5G-based communication standard for rail transport.
“North Rhine-Westphalia is a strong industrial hub and a pivotal driver of the digital transformation. Here in Düsseldorf, Kontron is investing in its own future as well as in Europe’s technological independence, data sovereignty, data security, and competitiveness. This represents a convergence of innovation, industrial expertise, and strategic foresight, serving as a prime example of future technology made in Germany,” says Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy and Deputy Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
“The industrial manufacture of key 5G components in Germany is an important step towards Europe’s digital sovereignty. Projects like this show how innovation, industrial expertise, and strategic foresight can work together to anchor future-proof technologies in our own economic area, thereby securing and expanding value creation in Germany and Europe,” says Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation.
“By establishing 5G production in Düsseldorf, we are sending a clear signal in favor of ‘Made in Germany’ and a strong European technology base,” explains Christoph Caselitz, Executive Vice President of Automotive at Kontron and responsible for the Düsseldorf site. “The combination of development in Berlin and manufacturing in Düsseldorf allows for short innovation cycles, high-quality standards, and a reliable supply to our customers.”
Source: Kontron
About Kontron
Kontron AG is a Germany-based provider of embedded computing and IoT solutions for industrial, medical, transportation, aerospace, defense, energy, and communications sectors. Established in 1959 and headquartered in Ismaning, the company develops platforms including embedded boards, modules, and systems tailored for applications that require long lifecycle support, real-time performance, and environmental resilience. In addition to hardware, Kontron delivers edge computing, secure networking, and integration services to support operational and digital infrastructure. The company operates manufacturing and R&D sites in Europe, North America, and Asia. Following its 2024 acquisition of Katek SE, Kontron expanded its portfolio to include GreenTec solutions, adding capabilities in solar energy and electric mobility. The company employs approx. 7,000 people across more than 20 countries.