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Press Release: Impressions and Review of the PIKO “Open House Day”

“Open House Day” Confirms the International Appeal of the PIKO Brand

Sonneberg, June 20, 2026 – With 13,500 visitors from more than 30 nations, the 14th “Open House Day” of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH was an outstanding success. Model railway enthusiasts, families, collectors, and specialist retailers from all over Germany as well as numerous European countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, and Finland, along with visitors from the USA, India, Kuwait, and many other countries, took the opportunity to look behind the scenes of the Sonneberg-based model railway manufacturer.

In the early morning hours, the first guests were already waiting outside the factory premises for the gates to open. As soon as the event began, the entire site quickly filled with visitors from around the world and once again developed into an international meeting point for the model railway industry.

During the official opening ceremony, PIKO CEO Rainer Landwehr welcomed the numerous guests together with Sonneberg Mayor Dr. Heiko Voigt, Thuringia’s Minister of Justice, Migration and Consumer Protection Beate Meißner, and PIKO shareholder Dr. René F. Wilfer. Minister Meißner conveyed the greetings of the Thuringian state government as well as those of the event’s patron, Minister-President Mario Voigt.

“Our Open House Day stands for transparency, customer proximity, and enthusiasm for model railways. We want to show how our products are created and the people behind them,” emphasized PIKO CEO Rainer Landwehr.

A particular highlight of the day was the insight into production. Unlike a traditional factory tour, visitors received a transparent and practical look at the most important manufacturing processes at selected stations. Guests were able to watch live how plastic parts are produced in modern injection molding machines, how individual components are assembled into finished models, and how modern garden railway models are precisely decorated using pad-printing technology. Employees explained the individual production steps and were available to answer questions. This made the high level of vertical integration and technical expertise at the Sonneberg site directly tangible.

The exclusive “Open House Day” special models also attracted great interest. Particularly sought after were the G Scale special wagon (Item No. 30070) and the traditional H0 special wagon (Item No. 95764), which many visitors took home as a souvenir of this special day.

In addition, the extensive supporting program offered numerous opportunities for personal interaction with PIKO employees. Information stands on product development, digital technology, training and careers, sales booths, special offers, and the popular autograph sessions with PIKO owner Dr. René F. Wilfer and PIKO CEO Rainer Landwehr attracted large crowds throughout the day.

Young visitors were also well catered for. A bouncy castle, play areas, and the traditional wagon painting activity made the day a memorable experience for the whole family and highlighted the cross-generational nature of the model railway hobby.

With excellent summer weather and pleasant temperatures, a wonderful atmosphere prevailed throughout the event. The many positive comments from visitors impressively confirmed the concept of the “Open House Day” and the special connection many model railway enthusiasts feel with the PIKO brand.

“The tremendous response, the many international guests, and the consistently positive atmosphere show us that our concept is exactly right. We are extremely satisfied with the course of the event and feel confirmed in our approach,” concluded PIKO CEO Rainer Landwehr.

Special thanks go to the employees of PIKO, who prepared and carried out the event with great dedication over many weeks.

The 14th “Open House Day” once again demonstrated the international appeal of the PIKO brand and the importance of the company for the economic region of Sonneberg. Visitors from more than 30 nations made the event an impressive symbol of the worldwide enthusiasm for model railways and the PIKO brand.

Following the success of this year’s event, model railway enthusiasts can already look forward to the next edition: the 15th “Open House Day” at PIKO will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2028 in Sonneberg.