- BMZ invested 80 million euros in the new facility.
- The factory will produce 800 million lithium-ion batteries annually by 2020.
- BMZ's global production sites cover 120,000 m2 in Germany, China, the USA, and Poland.
- BMZ aims to launch a highly efficient lithium-ion cell prototype by the end of the year.
New Facility Overview
BMZ GmbH has opened the first two production, logistics, and office buildings of Europe's largest lithium-ion battery factory in Karlstein-Großwelzheim, Germany. The new units, each covering 4,800 m2, will significantly expand the company's existing 7,000 m2 production area. By 2020, the site will include four additional buildings, bringing the total space to 55,000 m2 and enabling the production of up to 800 million batteries annually.
Investment and Capacity
BMZ has invested 80 million euros in this large-scale project, marking a significant milestone in its 20-year history. The company currently operates 120,000 m2 of production sites across Germany, China, the USA, and Poland. The new facility will enhance BMZ's ability to meet growing demand in various sectors, including e-bikes, electrical appliances, and energy storage systems.
Market Demand and Growth
BMZ founder Sven Bauer highlighted the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in multiple applications beyond electric cars. The company expects demand in these segments to grow by 15 to 30 percent annually. The modular design of the new factory units will allow BMZ to respond quickly and flexibly to market changes and customer needs.
Future Developments
BMZ plans to launch its own highly efficient lithium-ion cell by the end of the year. This new cell will offer significantly improved durability, performance, energy capacity, and charging current compared to standard cells. The initiative aims to reduce dependency on Asian cell producers and strengthen Germany's position in the battery technology market.
Company Performance
In 2015, BMZ achieved a turnover of 350 million euros and expects to surpass 500 million euros by 2020. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, with 20 million euros allocated last year alone.
