Steinach am Brenner is an Alpine village in Tyrol and one of the largest construction sites in Europe. The Brenner Base Tunnel is being built here. The tunnel connects Austria with Italy and is the central link in the trans-European railway corridor between southern and northern Europe.
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With a total length of 64 km, the gigantic structure will be the longest underground railway line in the world. Project manager Sebastian Reimann: “Europeans can be proud of what they are creating here. This is a joint effort by Europeans.”
His colleague Andreas Ambrosi adds: “Eleven nations from all over Europe work here. And top European companies work here. Herrenknechtalone has eight tunnelling machines in use.”
Herrenknecht is a market leader for large tunnelling machines – made in Europe. The massive machines deliver 6,000 horsepower. Some of these stone-devouring constructions are nearly 20 metres high and several hundred metres long.
Herrenknecht employs around 5,000 people worldwide. The company has an annual turnover of over EUR 1 billion. Herrenknecht drilling machines tunnel beneath the Yellow River and the Panama Canal as well as through the Alps and mountains in the Himalayas.
The company was founded half a century ago by engineer Martin Herrenknecht, one of the leading voices in German industry.
Euronews: “Brussels is discussing whether there should be a European preference for products made in Europe – for example, in public procurement. What do you think?”
Herrenknecht: “That’s the only option. If you look at how we are being pressured by the Chinese through price dumping. Here, a welder earns EUR 50 (gross per hour); in China, EUR 15. China operates with dumping steel prices. Half the price! We cannot stimulate the economy (in Europe) under such conditions.”
Euronews: “Should Europe respond with protective tariffs?”
Herrenknecht: “Without tariffs against China, Europe will collapse. Brussels is discussing whether to set up a world trade organisation without China and Russia. But those in Brussels keep debating and take no action.”
