DRÄXLMAIER opens battery plant in Leipzig

The heart of an electric vehicle is the battery; it determines the range and performance. A battery system based on 800-volt technology will be built in the DRÄXLMAIER Group's new production plant in Leipzig. With the opening, the company is expanding its production network in Germany to a total of three highly automated battery plants, thereby underlining the country's importance as a strategically important technology location.
Together with Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, Leipzig's Mayor Burkhard Jung, VDA Managing Director Dr. Marcus Bollig and other guests of honor, DRÄXLMAIER celebrated the official opening of the plant last Thursday.

“An important pillar in our production network”
In his speech, Vice Chairman and CEO Stefan Brandl emphasized: “The DRÄXLMAIER Group relies on innovative technological solutions for the mobility of tomorrow. In addition to numerous other innovations related to the electrification of the drive train, we manufacture battery systems for sophisticated premium vehicles - a key component of electromobility. The Leipzig location is therefore an important pillar in our production network.”

Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer said on the occasion of the factory opening: “The Saxon automobile industry is a pioneer in electromobility. The DRÄXLMAIER battery plant in Leipzig is a benefit for the car region of Saxony and for the entire region. Thanks to the closed value chain in the Free State, the company has the best conditions to equip vehicles with the latest battery technology. The investment supported by Saxony and the federal government strengthens the competitiveness of the industry and creates numerous new jobs with a top employer.”

Industry 4.0 consistently implemented
The automotive supplier, headquartered in Vilsbiburg, Bavaria, launched the battery systems business area in 2009. The company now produces high-voltage battery systems in series - now also in Leipzig. “In our new factory we are consistently implementing the principle of Industry 4.0. Thanks to highly automated production, a powerful 800-volt battery system is being created here in Leipzig with the highest quality requirements,” emphasized CEO Jan Reblin at the opening.
Site manager Karsten Wilhelm emphasized that the establishment of another plant was also a commitment to the Leipzig location. “With our second plant in Leipzig, we are creating attractive and future-proof jobs for qualified specialists,” says Wilhelm.
Mayor Burkhard Jung pointed out: “In diesel and gasoline vehicles, the engine determines the success of a car, now in electric cars it is the battery. Whoever has mastered the know-how of battery technology will prevail on the market. The establishment of the DRÄXLMAIER plant gives the Leipzig region an extremely important economic impulse: Leipzig is home to one of the most modern battery plants in the world, and important steps are being taken here for the future of electric mobility.”
Dr. Marcus Bollig, Managing Director of Product and Value Creation of the VDA Automobile Association, emphasized: “The DRÄXLMAIER Group’s new battery plant is an important building block for the transformation of the automotive industry and good news for Germany as a location. It not only underlines our commitment to sustainable mobility, but also our trust in the technological expertise and innovative strength of the German supplier industry. Production in Leipzig is a step towards more independent supply and also secures employment and prosperity in times of technological change.”