GENERAL NEWS
Porsche expands its global engineering and assembly capacity
Porsche is meeting needs in Asia by expanding its global engineering and assembly capacity . From next year on , its capacities will grow even further to include a new permanent research and development satellite in China , allowing a sustained focus on what is Porsche ’ s biggest single market .
The company is also strengthening its presence in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia . Beyond projects , such as the implementation of the region ’ s first cross-border highperformance charging network in cooperation with Shell , Porsche will set up small-scale local assembly in Malaysia to join the company ’ s network of production sites . The vehicles will specifically match local requirements and will be available for Malaysia only .
“ We ’ re driven by curiosity , by perpetually learning and fine-tuning our cars ,” said Oliver Blume , Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche . “ Having a permanent home for this work in China will bring obvious benefits , particularly when it comes to reflecting and predicting our customers ’ needs in China , a nation that has truly welcomed Porsche and has taken our cars to heart to the extent that it has been our biggest sales market for six consecutive years . The Chinese automotive market is very dynamic and customer preferences are highly specific .”
Right : Oliver Blume , Chairman of the Executive Board , Porsche . Far right : Detlev von Platen , Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche .
The R & D satellite location in Shanghai is aimed at increasing understanding of Chinese customers and their requirements , and to improve local product development . It complements Porsche Digital China , which was set up as an independent company early this year , and Porsche Engineering China with its presence in the market for more than 20 years .
Porsche ’ s network of permanent research , development and testing locations is based on several continents – all directly linked to the company ’ s engineering home in Weissach ( Germany ). This work affects not just dynamics and vehicle quality , but also comfort and convenience features and the technology fitted to current and future Porsche sports cars . Porsche Digital , a subsidiary of Porsche established in
2016 , concentrates on researching and developing new customer-focused digital services and is headquartered in Germany with key offices in the U . S ., Spain , China , Israel and Croatia .
Southeast Asia is a very dynamic market environment with significant growth and innovation potential . Porsche is expanding its footprint in the ten-member ASEAN region ( Association of Southeast Asian Nations ) by setting up local assembly , together with its long-standing partner Sime Darby Berhad . Based in Malaysia , the site will be responsible for the final assembly of specific models for the local market from 2022 onwards . The facility will operate alongside Porsche ’ s established European network of production sites .
“ Malaysia and the entire ASEAN is a region of great potential and we look forward to the first locally assembled models reaching our Malaysian customers next year ,” added Detlev von Platen , Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche . “ As Porsche is moving into a new era of mobility , Malaysia and the ASEAN region are gaining an increasing importance . This step now is part of a long-standing initiative to keep pace with rapidly evolving customer and market demands .” n
Sitem buys new Smartlines
Sitem ’ s Dr . Giovanni Bartoloni ( CEO ) and Dr . Judith Maestrini with Volker Knappstein from the Schuler sales team . © Schuler .
In 2019 , the Italian family-owned company Sitem SpA ordered two Smartline high-speed presses from Schuler for the manufacture of electric motor laminations . The magnetic lamination manufacturer has now ordered a third and fourth identical highspeed press ( now including Digital Suite solutions ) for its production sites in Italy .
“ The new SA315S type presses now also feature solutions from our ‘ Digital Suite ’ for production , process and condition monitoring . Operators can check , for example , press forces and production parameters on their desktop PC , smartphone or any other mobile device ,” explained press specialist , Schuler , to ISMR .
Sitem can process coil gauges of just 0.2mm , improving the efficiency of the electric motors .
Schuler ’ s high-speed press offers an output of up to 400 strokes per minute , while die life is extended using the depth penetration control and slide guidance without play .
Sitem produces a wide range of magnetic laminations for electric motors and generators with powers ranging from 0.09 to 30 kilowatts , according to the customer ’ s drawing or catalogue . Among others , the drives are built into forklifts , pumps , automotive applications , pressure washers or air conditioning compressors . The company was established in 1974 in the Cannaiola di Trevi area , which is still the group ’ s legal and administrative headquarters .
It is now a manufacturer of magnetic laminations for various applications in global markets . n
6 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR October 2021