Optimized Office Space at Bombardier Transportation: Flexible Solutions for Growing Demands

Bombardier Transportation GmbH, a global leader in rail technology, faced the challenge of making office space more efficient to meet the complex demands of its projects. Bombardier’s project structure is especially dynamic—often international, constantly changing, and requiring a high degree of spatial flexibility. In collaboration with ReCoTech, a comprehensive plan was developed that enabled Bombardier to accommodate 250 additional workstations within its existing space, without needing to expand through external rentals or containers. Beyond cost-efficient space adjustments, ReCoTech designed a sustainable solution that addresses staff needs while creating room for future growth. Find more details on our ReCoTech Bombardier case study page.

Initial Situation and Challenges

Bombardier already had around 2,500 workstations primarily used for engineering in various projects. The global reach and complexity of these projects required continuous adaptations in office space planning to keep pace with ongoing changes. The project aimed to maximize the capacity of existing spaces while creating flexible structures adaptable to both current and future project needs.

A key goal was to incorporate additional workstations within the existing office space, eliminating the need for costly external rental spaces and container maintenance. This presented several challenges for planning and administration teams. Available office space was already highly utilized, and the varied projects each had unique spatial requirements. This called for an agile approach to space planning, adapting dynamically to each project’s needs without disrupting overall operations. More about the starting point and goals can be found on the Bombardier case study page.

Solution Approach: Efficiency Through Precise Planning and Demand-Based Space Allocation

To create additional capacity and improve office space efficiency, ReCoTech followed a strategic, multi-phase approach. First, specific requirements for departments and projects were gathered through detailed interviews with managers. This helped identify which areas genuinely needed expansion and which could save space by reorganizing workstations. These requirements assessments and precise demand analysis laid the groundwork for subsequent planning.

Based on this needs analysis, ReCoTech conducted a thorough space potential assessment of all office areas. Existing spaces were restructured so that each project group and department received a specific space allocation tailored to its actual requirements. With a standardized workspace guideline of approximately 8 m² per workstation, ReCoTech was able to efficiently cover spatial needs while maintaining reserve capacity. For more details about this assessment and the steps involved, visit our Bombardier case study page.

To implement this restructuring, a flexible relocation chain was developed. This relocation plan was aligned with scheduled dates for external space leases, allowing Bombardier to seamlessly integrate the additional workstations in existing buildings and gradually eliminate external containers. Teams could move to their new locations without operational disruptions, as external spaces were vacated in phases.

Results: Cost Savings and a Future-Ready Spatial Concept

With the successful implementation of the project, external containers and rental spaces were removed, resulting in annual cost savings of approximately 450,000 euros. Bombardier benefited financially and gained a sustainable office layout that flexibly adapts to project requirements. The strategic reallocation of space and the introduction of an agile, process-optimized relocation plan now allow Bombardier to respond to future developments and changes in project landscapes without spatial bottlenecks.

In addition to the savings and increased efficiency, a process chain was developed that enables Bombardier to flexibly respond to fluctuating spatial needs. The successful redesign of office space illustrates how precise analysis and strategic space planning contribute to sustainable efficiency gains while enhancing the work environment. Details of the savings and new office layout at Bombardier can be found on our ReCoTech Bombardier case study page.

Conclusion: Sustainable Space Optimization as a Success Model

The collaboration between ReCoTech and Bombardier demonstrates how strategic space planning and targeted optimizations can sustainably improve both operational costs and flexibility. The successful implementation of the new office structure and annual savings of approximately 450,000 euros show that a tailored, demand-driven concept is key to efficient office use. Flexible space planning and agile workspace models also provide a solid foundation, equipping Bombardier for future changes in the global project landscape.

This case study serves as a model for other companies seeking to achieve cost savings and create a flexible, future-oriented workspace through sustainable, strategic space utilization. For more information and insights into this project, please visit our Bombardier case study page.