Schaeffler Commences Technology Centre for eMobility Solutions
Schaeffler has inaugurated a new technology centre for materials science and engineering at its headquarters in Herzogenaurach. With the activities based there, the supplier aims to bring innovative solutions in the eMobility, battery and hydrogen sectors to series maturity.
The technology centre, which cost around 90 million euros, covers more than 18,000 square metres of gross floor space at Schaeffler’s headquarters in Central Franconia and “brings together core areas of expertise in materials science and materials engineering,” according to the supplier. The building was completed on schedule in two years and five months and offers space for around 340 employees.
Inside, the centre comprises 15 laboratories in the fields of measurement, testing and calibration technology as well as materials, chemicals, coating and nanotechnologies. Schaeffler plans to use the centre to advance solutions for the energy and mobility transition in particular. The company cites innovative coatings for solid-state batteries or hydrogen bipolar plates as examples. In addition, an EMC laboratory makes it possible to test the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic components, such as the company’s own power electronics.
Uwe Wagner, Chief Research and Development Officer at Schaeffler AG, commented: “Innovative materials are extremely important for sustainable solutions in the field of motion technologies, for example in electric mobility, robotics or wind power. The technology center in Herzogenaurach will set benchmarks and strengthen our global R&D network in the long term.”
The new technology centre also includes the so-called ‘Motion Hub’, an independent area to demonstrate to customers, suppliers and employees the realigned range of products and services resulting from the acquisition of Vitesco Technologies. Schaeffler successfully completed the acquisition of the drive specialist at the beginning of October. The integration of Vitesco is accompanied by a reorganisation of business activities into four divisions: E-Mobility, Powertrain & Chassis, Vehicle Lifetime Solutions and Bearings & Industrial Solutions. In addition, the Schaeffler Group is dividing its business into four regions – Europe, Americas, Greater China and Asia/Pacific – which will continue to operate as before.
“Despite the challenging environment, the complex transaction was successfully completed according to plan in less than a year. This proves that the two companies are not just a technological but also a cultural match,” said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler, at the beginning of October. The company assumes that the merger will lead to sales and cost synergies with an impact on earnings totalling 600 million euros per year. However, this also means that jobs will be cut – in the previously separate structures, some functions are now duplicated.
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