CATL takes off – Europe's largest battery cell production facility officially opened

Production ramp-up proceeded according to plan after COVID-19-related delays: Manufacturing has started on two module lines initially, and the planned six lines, which will achieve an output of 24 GWh/a, are scheduled to be operational by the end of 2023. The number of employees has since grown to around 1,000. The official opening ceremony was attended by Thuringia's Minister-President Bodo Ramelow, Minister of Economic Affairs Tiefensee, Minister of the Environment Anja Siegesmund, and representatives of LEG Thüringen, which is significantly involved in the investment project. The company is concentrating not only production but also research and development at the site south of Erfurt, the Thuringian capital, and the European logistics hub has been established in the nearby Erfurt Freight Village. The Free State of Thuringia is developing into one of the most innovative regions for e-mobility. Among other things, the state recently funded the establishment of the Battery Innovation and Technology Center (BITC), which is already cooperating with CATL. (hw)