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2/20/2024
Transformation of the drives
Report
Megacasting: VW opens competence centre for large castings in Kassel
A competence centre for large castings has been opened at the Volkswagen Group Components site in Kassel, Germany. Large castings, also known as mega- or gigacastings, are considered a key technology for structural components of the Group's future all-electric platforms. Through the further development of power electronics, the plant in northern Hesse is also strengthening its role as an important centre for the electric drivetrain.
According to Volkswagen, the new Large Castings Competence Centre marks an important milestone in the company's strategic orientation. By investing in state-of-the-art technologies, it strengthens the competitiveness of the site, secures jobs and develops high-quality cast components for new vehicle models. These include, for example, a rear end and a high-voltage battery housing.
Pioneering battery housing
The high-voltage battery housing, for which series production has been decided, is considered a pioneering large casting: previously consisting of 122 individual parts and manufactured mainly from extruded profiles, it is now produced in a single casting. The complex process is carried out on a three-plate mould with sprue from the centre, which represents a further development compared to the previous large castings.Kassel is an example of successful transformation: the site is gradually building up new key competences in e-drive systems and large castings. In this way, the Group Components sites are playing their part in the Volkswagen Group's future strategy.
Thomas Schmall, Group Board Member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components
The Kassel site has undergone a comprehensive transformation, developing from a transmission plant into a system supplier for e-drives and finally becoming the leading site for power electronics. Pulse inverters for the Group's current e-drives and future electric platforms are manufactured at the Power Electronics Competence Centre. The decision to increase the depth of development down to semiconductor level and the focus on cutting-edge technologies at the site underlines the endeavour to play a decisive role in shaping the future of e-mobility, according to the Volkswagen Group.
Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for Human Resources and Truck & Bus, said at the opening of the competence centre: "Our Kassel site shows that Volkswagen has mastered transformation. Together, we have succeeded in developing one of the largest transmission plants in Europe into a fundamental Group centre for electric drivetrains."
Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for Human Resources and Truck & Bus, said at the opening of the competence centre: "Our Kassel site shows that Volkswagen has mastered transformation. Together, we have succeeded in developing one of the largest transmission plants in Europe into a fundamental Group centre for electric drivetrains."
