19.06.2024
Source: Energy & Management Powernews
With a new production line in Ellwangen for the "Varta.wall", the battery manufacturer aims to secure a leading European role in the energy storage market.
Varta opened a new home storage production facility in Ellwangen, Baden-Württemberg. According to the company, this will create 120 new jobs. The first production line at the Neunheim site near Ellwangen in Baden-Württemberg went into full series production in June. The modularly expandable DC high-voltage storage system "Varta.wall" has been rolling off the production line since June and will be delivered from mid-July.
With the Varta Wall, the battery manufacturer is expanding its product portfolio in the rapidly growing market and thus contributing to strengthening the European storage market. In addition, the company is promoting value creation in Germany by predominantly using components from local suppliers. In the first expansion stage, up to 50,000 storage units are to leave the factory each year.
The Varta Wall is designed as a modular, pluggable DC high-voltage system that is easy to install without external cabling of the modules and has an installation depth of just 10 centimetres. Equipped with 21,700 round cells in the Varta double module, it is available with system capacities of 10, 15 and 20 kWh and can be expanded modularly at a later date.
Modern production technology from Germany
Sven Riehm, Executive Vice President Power Batteries, explained: "Our first Varta.wall production line is now fully operational." Production takes place on 4,000 square meters according to the latest Industry 4.0 standards. There is space for a second module line at the site, which could double the production volume in the future. This will allow additional expansion potential in the rest of Europe to be served, said Riehm.
The company has invested around 20 million euros in the state-of-the-art production line. The semi-automated production includes a state-of-the-art laser welding process, plasma cleaning, laser marking and automatic gluing and joining stations. The plant's production equipment was completely designed, planned and largely manufactured by German specialists and mechanical engineers.
Varta has optimized all processes in the new factory to enable resource and energy-saving production. CTO Rainer Hald explained: "At Varta, we are committed to Germany as an industrial location and are convinced that we in Europe cannot leave the renewable energy market exclusively to manufacturers in Asia or the USA."
In order to secure the location in the long term, Varta is focusing on hiring and training specialist staff. "The increase in personnel and the new factory provide important impetus for strengthening the region," said Riehm.
Author: Susanne Harmsen
Accessibility
Language