INDUSTRY NEWS
Press shop partnership in Saudi Arabia
Ceer , Saudi Arabia ’ s first electric vehicle ( EV ) brand and original equipment manufacturer ( OEM ), has partnered with German press specialist , Schuler , to supply and install the first completely automatic press shop at the Ceer Manufacturing Complex ( CMC ) in King Abdullah Economy City . It dubs it “ the most advanced manufacturing facility in the MENA ( Middle East and North Africa ) region .”
“ The CMC encompasses every stage of vehicle production , from press shop and body shop to paint shop and general assembly . It also integrates comprehensive logistics ; waste management ; warehousing ; offices ; a water treatment system and a dedicated vehicle test track ,” Schuler explained . “ Ceer ’ s latest milestone at the facility , just four months after raising of the first steel frame , is the start of the installation of the Schuler press shop , an important step in building the EV sector ,” it added .
Ceer is the first Saudi automotive brand to produce electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia and will design , manufacture and sell a range of vehicles for consumers in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region , including sedans and sports utility vehicles .
The company , which is a joint venture between PIF and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co . (“ Foxconn ”), will license component technology from BMW for use in the vehicle development process . Foxconn will develop the electrical architecture of the vehicles , resulting in a portfolio of products in areas such as infotainment , connectivity and
Schuler will supply servo press lines , a tryout press and a laser blanking line to Ceer in Saudi Arabia .
autonomous driving technologies . Each vehicle will be designed , manufactured and tested in Saudi Arabia .
The Ceer Manufacturing Complex is installing Schuler ’ s first completely automated press shop for smart manufacturing in the MENA region .
“ Ceer is committed to setting a new standard for automotive manufacturing in MENA . It is essential we are equipped with the best solutions to ensure efficiency , quality and sustainability . Partnering with top-tier global suppliers like Schuler is crucial to Ceer ’ s vision , and this partnership is a decisive step towards driving the future of electric mobility ,” outlined Jim DeLuca , Ceer CEO .
Commenting on the partnership , Martin Drasch , Schuler CEO , said : “ We are thrilled to partner with Ceer on this groundbreaking project . This installation marks Schuler ’ s first press shop where the logistics are completely automated , from transportation of the blanks to the press line to the automatic stacking of the finished parts . We are proud to contribute
Image : © Schuler . our expertise and technology to Ceer and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia .”
This landmark partnership with Schuler will form the backbone of its electric vehicle production , paving the way for a new era of smart manufacturing in the region , added Schuler .
The press shop ( including two press lines , a tryout press and a laser blanking line ) is the nucleus of vehicle production where precisioncut metal blanks are transformed into chassis parts , and body components ( such as side frames , doors and bonnets ) are formed from sheet metal . Schuler ’ s presses and laser blanking lines offer an output of up to 64 parts per minute .
“ Overall , the press and laser blanking lines offer high availability , flexibility and output as well as decreased power consumption . Ceer ’ s advanced press lines , powered by cloud-based applications , prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability ,” explained Schuler .
Schuler offers customised technology in all areas of forming — from the networked press to press shop planning . In addition to presses , its products include automation , dies , process expertise and service for the metalworking industry . Within the Metris platform by ANDRITZ , Schuler brings together digital solutions for networking forming technology . n
www
. ceermotors . com
www . schulergroup . com
Venture Steel purchases slitting line
Venture Steel and Athader SL ( part of The Bradbury Group ) have confirmed that Venture Steel has purchased a high-production slitting line from Athader . The line will be installed in Venture Steel ’ s newly expanded manufacturing facility in Ramos Arizpe , Mexico .
“ This line will be able to slit 0.250 ” x 62 ” x 80,000lbs . and 110,000 psi tensile strength coils running up to 600 fpm , along with a slit coil packaging line . The line will feature the latest automation , including double eccentric slitter head with capstan and automatic slitter tooling changeover ,” confirmed Athader SL to ISMR .
“ Quick-change separators , dual tension rolls with hydraulic lock-up , automatic overarm separator changeover and a slit coil packaging line are also featured ,” it added .
With six locations across Canada , the U . S ., and Mexico , Venture Steel is a processor and distributor of metals ( such as carbon , stainless and aluminium products ) with a specialised focus on flat-rolled steel products . It serves a range of industries including automotive , tubular , construction , general manufacturing and commercial markets .
“ We ’ re excited to announce the installation of a new high-performance slitter at our Mexico facility . This strategic investment allows us to process materials to exact specifications , ensuring quicker , more efficient delivery of premium products across the region ,” said Venture Steel .
Athader S . L . is a member of The Bradbury Group dedicated to producing coil processing equipment for customers worldwide , consisting primarily of slitting , blanking and cut-to-length lines for the last 25 years .
The Bradbury Group brings together manufacturers of related products employing over 650 people and includes 750,000 square feet in 11 manufacturing facilities in eight countries . It also has engineering facilities in the United States ; England ; Australia ; New Zealand ; Canada ; Spain and Italy . n
www . venturesteel . com
www . bradburygroup . com
12 | ismr . net | ISMR February 2025