Swedish car manufacturer Volvo has committed almost £1bn to revolutionising their manufacturing plant to be more sustainable and ready for the next generation of electric vehicles.
Volvo have previously announced that they will be building electric cars only by 2030 and the £800m investment in their Torslanda plant, including a facility which introduces to the process of ‘Megacasting’ whereby the entire form of the aluminium body is made from one part, rather than welding multiple parts together.
The megacasting process is a very similar approach to that which Tesla use to build their cars, in much the same vein that old-school toy cars are built, with a massive die-cast car. This format reduces the number components, cutting down on the complexity of building a car, reducing weight and cost.
Volvo also plan to introduce a new battery assembly plant on site, a refurbished logistics area and a more up-to-date paint shop.
“With these investments we take an important step towards our all-electric future and prepare for even more advanced and better electric Volvos,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive. “Torslanda is our largest plant and will play a crucial role in our ongoing transformation as we move towards becoming a pure electric car maker by 2030.”
The Swedish company also plan to revamp the staff facilities at the site which employs 6,500 people just outside of Gothenburg and has been producing 300,000 cars a year since being opened by King Gustaf VI Adolf in April 1964.