BorgWarner adds new production line for electric vehicle technology
Hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) technology company BorgWarner has announced a €10 million investment in capital equipment and a €1.5 million investment in its facility in Tralee to expand the plant’s engineering and testing capabilities, create new jobs and improve the facility’s environmental footprint.
Beginning in 2017, the company plans to add a flexible manufacturing line for the high-volume production of high-voltage positive temperature coefficient (PTC) cabin heaters to meet the growing demand for thermal management solutions that add to extended battery-powered driving range of hybrid and electric vehicles. With the support of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland, up to 50 new jobs could be created.
In addition to expanding manufacturing and test capabilities as well as the facility’s office and warehouse space, the investment will add highly sophisticated assembly and test equipment. “As the trend towards hybrid and electric propulsion continues, we expect demand for our efficient, high-voltage cabin heating solutions to grow. By further expanding our EV capabilities, we are able to continue supporting our customers as they look to rapidly expand their EV product portfolio,” said Joe Fadool, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Emissions & Thermal Systems. “We are pleased to expand our succesful collaboration with the IDA here in Ireland and strengthen our product leadership in advanced thermal management solutions with the investment in this strategically important location.”
