FEV Group is to expand its durability test center (DLP) in Brehna, Saxony-Anhalt, in Germany with a new logistics hall, at a cost of more than US$16.1m (€13m). The facility is already equipped with seven test rigs designed for analysis of electric drives.
Upon conclusion of the latest expansion, more than US$111.5m (€90m) will have been invested in the center since its opening in 2007.
At a welcome reception on January 22, state secretary in the Ministry of Economy, Science and Digitization of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Dr Jürgen Ude, awarded the company a state grant of US$2.3m (€1.9m).
“The FEV durability test center in Brehna is one of the most modern of its kind worldwide and has achieved impressive growth. I am very pleased about this development, which shows that investment in research and innovation in the automotive location Saxony-Anhalt pays off – for all involved,” said Dr Ude.
Professor Stefan Pischinger, president and CEO of the FEV Group, added, “With the expansion of the durability test center, we are taking into account the growing demand for electrified powertrains. In view of the excellent conditions for our company in Brehna, the decision to take this step was therefore made quickly.”
Managing directors of the DLP, Steffen Kunz and Hans-Dieter Sonntag, said, “When we opened in 2007, we had just under 80 employees. Since then, we have been able to increase this number by around 150%, to over 200.
“After this expansion, we will be operating a total of 48 test rigs in this region. Therefore, we will be seeking specialized auto and electronics employees in the future.”