COLOGNE, Germany, Aug. 18, 2021 – Initial construction work is now underway to transform Ford’s Niehl assembly plant in Cologne, Germany, into the new Cologne Electrification Center.
Developers have demolished a decommissioned structure at the site to make way for a new high-tech building that will be used for the preparation of vehicle bodies during assembly of a new, volume all-electric model.
The redevelopment of the Niehl plant is a significant step towards helping Ford achieve its plans for a fully-electric future. The Cologne Electrification Center – complete with the latest automotive manufacturing technologies – will be ready to begin production in 2023.
The challenging project will require architects to construct the approximately 26-metre-high, 25‑metre-wide, and 100‑metre-long structure in an area already densely populated with buildings, and on which vehicles have been assembled since 1931. The new building will span one of the main traffic avenues through the Niehl site.
The demolition of the decommissioned structure was scheduled for the Niehl plant’s summer shutdown to ensure that the removal of 5,000 cubic metres of debris would not hinder ongoing vehicle production. The new building itself will be completed by the end of July 2022, with the installation of machinery following soon after.
“I am excited to see that we have begun the transformation our plant into the Cologne Electrification Center, said Gunnar Herrmann, Chairman of the Management Board of Ford-Werke GmbH, at a local meeting. “This is an important milestone for our German manufacturing footprint and will make us the first Ford plant in Europe to volume-build all-electric vehicles off the line.”
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 186,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 43,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 55,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (10 wholly owned facilities and four unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
