The closure of the Rahmede Bridge on the A45 marks its third anniversary—a date of great significance for the South Westphalia region and its economy. As a company deeply rooted in the region, LÜLING is actively committed to improving transportation infrastructure. Our managing director, Christian von der Crone, in his role as chairman of the Eisendraht- und Stahldraht Vereinigung e.V. (Iron and Steel Wire Association), participated in a joint initiative to emphasize the urgency of these measures.
The A45: The Lifeline of South Westphalia
The A45, also known as the “Sauerland Line,” is a key traffic artery for South Westphalia’s economy. The closure of the Rahmede Bridge has not only severely disrupted freight traffic but has also jeopardized the competitiveness of numerous businesses. “Without intact roads and bridges, companies like LÜLING cannot secure their competitiveness. It is crucial that the federal government fulfills its responsibility and supports the region to strengthen South Westphalia as both an economic hub and a living space,” says Christian von der Crone.
A Collective Action: A Strong Signal to Politics
The joint initiative was launched by leading regional associations and organizations, including the Arbeitgeberverband Lüdenscheid e.V. (Lüdenscheid Employers’ Association), the Eisendraht- und Stahldraht Vereinigung e.V., the Handwerkskammer Südwestfalen (South Westphalia Chamber of Crafts), the Kreishandwerkerschaft Märkischer Kreis (District Handicrafts Association), the Märkischer Kreis (District of Märkischer Kreis), the Märkische Arbeitgeberverband e.V. (Märkischer Employers’ Association), and the Südwestfälische Industrie- und Handelskammer zu Hagen (South Westphalian Chamber of Industry and Commerce). The goal of the initiative is to urge the federal government to fulfill its responsibility and undertake the urgently needed infrastructure renovations.
The initiative highlights ten key reasons why the renovation of roads in South Westphalia must be prioritized. In addition to its economic significance, the initiative addresses aspects such as securing skilled labor, environmental protection through shorter transport routes, and the region’s overall future viability.
The Importance for the Wire Industry
South Westphalia is the heart of Germany’s wire industry—a sector that depends on functional infrastructure. As one of the leading companies in independent steel wire drawing for cold heading wire, LÜLING is directly affected by the consequences of the bridge closure. Delayed supply chains and longer transport routes place a significant burden on the company.
A Call to Action for Policymakers
Together with other companies and associations, LÜLING appeals to policymakers to recognize the importance of the South Westphalia region and prioritize infrastructure measures. A quick and sustainable solution is not only in the interest of the local economy but also a vital step toward strengthening Germany as an industrial location.
For more information about the joint initiative and the demands of the participating associations, visit aktionsbuendnis-a45.de.
