Rayong, Thailand. After a joint ground-breaking
ceremony with Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production,
representatives of the Thai government and the German ambassador to
Thailand Ernst Reichel, construction work is underway for the BMW
Group’s own local manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage
batteries. With that, the BMW Group is readying yet another production
facility to manufacture fully electric vehicles, with local BEV
production scheduled to start in the second half of 2025.
“Local production of high-voltage batteries in Rayong is the next
logical step in the continued electrification of our production
network. Once again, the principle of ‘local for local’ applies,
supporting economic development, employment opportunities and
knowledge transfer in Thailand and the ASEAN region,” said Milan
Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG, at the
ground-breaking ceremony.
The forthcoming high-voltage battery assembly facility will have a
footprint of 4,000 square metres and is an important addition to the
business activities of BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand. The new
assembly line will convert imported battery cells into modules that
will then be integrated into high-voltage batteries. The BMW Group has
invested more than 1.6 billion baht (approx. 42 million euros) in the
project, a significant share of which – almost 1.4 billion baht
(approx. 36 million euros) – will be used to buy state-of-the-art
equipment and systems.
The BMW Group has been producing high-voltage batteries in Thailand
for locally made plug-in hybrids since 2019. Plant Rayong manufactures
around two dozen BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad models for the Thai as
well as various ASEAN markets. In 2023 output totalled more than
12,000 cars and almost 11,000 motorcycles.
Comprehensive training programme
Employees will undergo comprehensive training programmes, which will
be delivered in the global production network with the aim of
improving the technical skills of local staff through knowledge
transfer. The investment in professional training and development also
underscores the BMW Group’s commitment to advancing the Thai economy.
Joint education programme with UNICEF – also in Thailand
As well as developing its own workforce, the BMW Group is very much
involved in boosting industry in Thailand and the global transition to
mobility solutions that help conserve resources. This year it is
collaborating with UNICEF in Thailand to improve career opportunities
for young people through a targeted STEM education programme, training
and careers advice.
