To industrialise the production of future generation batteries, Mercedes-Benz is intensifying its cooperation with its longstanding partner GROB-WERKE GmbH, a market leader in highly innovative battery production and automation systems.
The OEM believes that local battery production is a key differentiator for its electric push. Accordingly, its global battery production network will include nine battery factories on three continents, underscoring its ambition to become fully electric before the end of the decade.
The cooperation focuses on the joint development and construction of highly efficient battery production facilities for the global battery production network. It includes the assembly of both battery modules and battery packs. Therefore, the automaker is strengthening its battery production capacity and know-how in innovative manufacturing technology. Production systems from GROB-WERKE are already in use in the battery plants of Mercedes-Benz. In future, the partners will work closely together on the development and construction of highly specialised production facilities in the spirit of 'Design for Manufacturing.'
Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain Management, said the global Mercedes-Benz battery production network is a key pillar of the Mercedes-EQ model offensive and the foundation of its strategic shift from 'Electric First' to 'Electric Only.'
Through the partnership with GROB-WERKE, the company wants to leverage further potential in manufacturing technology in terms of efficiency, digitisation and sustainability and thereby further expand its battery production capacity, Burzer added.
German Wankmiller, Chairman of the Board, GROB-WERKE, said, 'With this cooperation, we want to continue to be a strong partner for Mercedes-Benz in the future, with innovative plant concepts for battery modules & packs. Furthermore, the cooperation will focus on future generations of Mercedes-Benz battery systems to be used in Mercedes-EQ vehicles from 2025.