Audi paint shop in Neckarsulm comprehensively modernised / Phase three completed / Total investment in excess of DM 600 million
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Audi paint shop in Neckarsulm

Photo: Audi

Neckarsulm - The third phase of Audi's paint shop at Neckarsulm, representing an investment volume of around DM 130 million, is in operation from now on. The Neckarsulm plant now has completely modernized, extended painting facilities. With the total investment for all three phases in excess of DM 600 million, the new paint shop is the largest investment in the history of the plant. "The completion of the third phase brings the project to its conclusion, after around ten years' planning and construction. We are now ideally equipped for the future," remarked Plant Manager Otto Lindner.   

Along with the growing model range and the increasing proportion of aluminium-bodied vehicles, the demands on the paint shop have continued to rise. The third phase allows the introduction of segmentation. This means that there are separate operations for each model line. The result is greater flexibility in the filler, top coat and patterns line. The building extension enhances the efficiency with which the paint shop can operate. "With 950 workers, we can paint more than 1,000 vehicle bodies a day on a three-shift basis, using ultra-modern methods," commented Jürgen Krämer, Head of the Paint Shop. "All workplaces throughout the new paint shop have been designed according to the latest safety and ergonomic principles," emphasized Works Council Chairman Norbert Rank.  

"The new facilities mean that we are well-equipped to take up the challenge of future technologies. That means new products and methods on the one hand, and practical environmental protection on the other," declared Project Manager Richard Vogel. The third phase comprises two extensions to the north and east of the existing paint shop, and a connecting bridge. With a total floor space of 7,000 m², the new halls offer ample space spread between four main levels. The Böblingen company Eisenmann KG acted as general contractor for the building's construction and installations, including equipment and in-house systems, and for the logistics connections.  

(October 25, 2000)