5 questions for Michael Fritzsche on e-mobility at Leadec

Today, we take a look behind the scenes and talk to Michael Fritzsche, Site Manager in Chemnitz in the Automation division, about current challenges in the field of e-mobility. He explains how Leadec supports its customers in the transformation and what services the Automation & Engineering Division offers regarding battery production.

1. What are the challenges for cell manufacturers, assembly plants and OEMs, especially with regard to battery production?

Many automotive OEMs have announced that they will significantly expand their range of electrically powered vehicles or even produce only electric cars by 2030. To do this, they need batteries. The extent and the capacity of battery production in Europe does not currently meet the demand that is to be covered. This is due on the one hand to the scarcity of resources and on the other hand to the lack of available know-how and specialists, e.g., in the areas of joining processes, manufacturing processes and mechanical engineering and construction. To make matters worse, there is currently no established supplier network covering the entire range of this highly specialized field.

2. What services does Leadec offer here to meet these challenges?

Leadec’s services cover the entire battery manufacturing life cycle. At Automation & Engineering, we focus on production planning, automation and production IT. Our advantage here is clearly our expertise and global presence. Through our involvement in numerous battery projects in Europe, Asia and America, we have the necessary experience and knowledge to support our customers in these challenges.

For example, we provided planning services to support the Volkswagen Group Components plant in Braunschweig in setting up battery production. Our tasks included planning for the construction of the fully automated MEB HV battery assembly line including testing technology. One of these employees ensures the international know-how transfer and is now working in China, where he is supporting the start-up of production facilities at FAW-VW.

In addition, we are on site with our customers across all industries in over 300 plants worldwide, around 75 of which are in Germany.?

3. What are Leadec’s goals in the field of battery production??

At the moment, we have the most projects in the areas of automation, production and quality management and assurance. In addition, our logistics expertise in supplying plants with battery systems and drive components is becoming increasingly important. With these services, we want to set the benchmark for battery production and the increasingly important battery recycling. Since we are a global partner, our customers can count on our reliability, quality and expertise. In the long term, we want to become the number 1 technical service provider in this area.?

4. What does it look like to work together with Leadec in the field of battery production?

In the first step, we analyze the customers’ needs in detail and discuss open issues in production, planning and logistics. For example, as a full-service provider for battery recycling, we can cover one specific area, but we also offer our services as part of turnkey solutions. In doing so, we strive for sustainable relationships with our customers.

5. How do you see the development of competencies at Leadec in terms of battery production services?

With regard to our employees, the focus is on developing and expanding their competencies. We achieve this very successfully through our competence centers, further education and internal training. With regard to our services, we see great potential in the growing market for battery system recycling and maintenance. Basically, we are very well positioned due to our local presence combined with our global network. Now we have to seize the opportunities and react to new challenges in an agile way. We are looking forward to it.