Leoni acquires site for its “Factory of the Future”
Europe’s most modern cable factory planned: additional production capacity, efficient processes and contemporary jobs
Given that the rich-in-tradition production site on Stieberstraße in the centre of Roth no longer provided any scope for development as it is constrained by the street, the Rednitz river and the factory canal, Leoni decided to build its Factory of the Future on the city’s outskirts – and thereby also to realise additional production capacity, more efficient processes as well as contemporary jobs. A key milestone has now been reached with the Company's purchase of a 134,000 square meter site in the ‘An der Lände’ industrial area.
Buildings with space totalling 48,000 square meters are to be erected on the site. Expansion of specialised work that adds more value as well as optimising of work and logistical processes will be the basis for production that points the way to the future. Leoni’s ambition is to establish Europe's most modern cable plant with its Factory of the Future.
“By expanding and modernising its production capacity, Leoni will continue in the future to rely on Roth as a location for developing and producing high quality cables,” Dr Klaus Probst, CEO & President of Leoni AG, emphasized upon signing of the site purchase contract with the City of Roth. “My special thanks go to our staff members in Roth who, with their personal input, are providing the project with crucial support. The Factory of the Future will make a key contribution to safeguarding our competitiveness on a long-term basis.”
The Factory of the Future will be not only a state-of-the-art production facility, but simultaneously also a competence centre and a base for services for the entire Wire & Cable Solutions Division. The buildings will comprise, among other things, a laboratory and development centre as well as educational and advanced training facility.
Now that the site has been purchased, the plans provide for construction to commence in mid 2016. Based on an estimated construction period of about 18 months, Leoni expects to start step-by-step relocation of its ongoing production from the existing plant in early 2018. Relocation to the Factory of the Future is likely to be completed in early 2019.