Just 16 months after laying the foundation stone, MAN successfully completed the expansion of its plant in Krakow.
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With an investment of around 20 million euros, the plant was enlarged by about a third of its area and now covers 41 hectares – as much as almost 60 football pitches.
Previously, only heavy-duty trucks were manufactured here but in future, the site would take over the perimeters of the light and medium-duty series. After the conversion, about 300 vehicles and cabs could now come off the assembly line in Krakow every day in three-shift operation, which is roughly three times the previous capacity. Truck production would continue to ramp up until the end of the year. In addition, a new pellet heating plant was built, which contributes to the planned CO2-neutrality of the site.
At the opening ceremony attended by political representatives and other invited guests, Alexander Vlaskamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of MAN Truck & Bus SE, said: “The plant expansion is a key building block in MAN‘s transformation. We have fundamentally restructured our manufacturing network. This makes us much more competitive in these challenging times.”
With approximately 1,500 new jobs created, there are now about three times as many employees at the plant as before the conversion, a total of above 2,600 employees. This means that 15 years after its opening, the youngest plant in the truck production network could continue its success story as an efficient manufacturing location and top employer.
“Krakow is a highly efficient and highly qualified location. Around two thirds of all MAN trucks and truck cabs are assembled here in top quality. In addition, with the modified trucks we offer vehicles individually adapted to the needs of our customers,” says MAN production board member Michael Kobriger.
As part of the expansion, a 32,000-square metre hall for cab production and a 10,000-square metre hall for the Truck Modification Centre and final assembly were newly built. The essential certifications and acceptances were successfully completed. The intensive training of the new employees on equipment and with tools took place at the Munich plant and ensures uniform standards within the production network.
With the takeover of the light and medium series, MAN says its plant in Krakow could still offer the complete truck range in the highest quality. For the heavy range, Krakow also acts as a volume balancing plant for the main plant in Munich, where space is needed for mixed production of conventional and battery-electric trucks. Munich is currently in the middle of a conversion for electrification. Series production of the first MAN eTruck would start there as early as next year. Krakow and Munich are thus seen as the strong partner duo in the truck alliance.
