A settlement that is attracting Europe-wide attention is thus taking further important steps: After CATL, the Chinese global market leader in the manufacturing of battery cells for e-mobility, decided to build its first factory outside of China in Thuringia, construction of the plant began at the end of 2019. With this settlement, Thuringia will become one of the largest locations for production, development, and research in the field of battery cell technology. CATL is investing a total of 1.8 billion euros in the "Erfurter Kreuz" industrial park and is creating up to 2,000 jobs. In the first expansion stage of the plant, for which approval has now been granted, a capacity of eight gigawatt hours will be achieved. As Matthias Zentgraf explained, this corresponds to an annual battery capacity for approximately 120,000 electric cars. According to the company, CATL will in future supply all major German automobile manufacturers with battery cells. 500 employees are already working at CATL, and interior work is currently underway in the new building complex, which is over half a kilometer long. Also present at the handover were LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey and LEG Procurator and Head of Department Dr. Arnulf Wulff – LEG is supporting CATL with a full service in all steps of the settlement and beyond. In addition, LEG develops and markets the "Erfurter Kreuz" industrial site, where CATL acquired its property. (hw)
Green light for CATL – the major investment gains momentum
CATL Europe head Matthias Zentgraf, Environment Minister Anja Siegesmund and Mario Suckert, President of the TLUBN, at the ceremonial handover of the operating permit. Image: CATL/ Paul-Philipp Braun
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