Japan-based
Marelli, a leading global automotive supplier, headquartered in Saitama, is opening a production facility for electric drivetrains in Cologne with production scheduled to start in the first half of this year.
Joachim Fetzer, CEO of Marelli’s electric powertrain business, said: “With the new production facility, we are expanding our manufacturing footprint and capacities for this important growth market.
“We have chosen Cologne for its location in the heart of Europe as there are highly skilled people with experience in the automotive industry here and the region is developing into a centre for e-mobility.”
The new 18,000m
2 facility will house a new production line for electric drivetrains and the size will allow potential future expansion. The factory will initially employ around 160 people and Marelli plans to hire up to 60 more during 2021.
“Electric powertrains are a core element of Marelli’s growth strategy. We already have a great deal of experience in the market, having been one of the early suppliers of the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), the first hybrid solution in Formula One, as well as being a pioneer of an electric powertrain for Formula E.”
Mr Fetzer continued: In the past few years, Marelli has been very successful in bringing its technologies for electric mobility to the mass market and with the new facility in Cologne is now in a strong position to continue on that path.
“Through combined expertise in both electric drives and thermal energy management systems, Marelli offers a unique technology portfolio enabling the design of highly efficient electric vehicle platforms.
“This includes active and passive systems for the 800 Volt high performance and fast charging technology, battery management systems, cooling plates, electric compressors and other solutions helping carmakers to improve the overall efficiency of their electric and hybrid vehicles.”
Mr Fetzer concluded: “We have the ambition to further expand our position as a leading supplier for electric mobility as this market grows dynamically.”