Spatenstich Hochvoltbatterie-Montage BMW Group Werk Rayong, Thailand. Foto: BMW Group
With a joint ground-breaking ceremony attended by Board Member for Production Milan Nedeljković, representatives of the Thai government and the German ambassador to Thailand, Ernst Reichel, the go-ahead was given in Rayong for the construction work to build a local production facility for fifth-generation high-voltage batteries. This will enable the BMW Group to establish another production site for the manufacture of fully electric vehicles. Local BEV production will start in the second half of 2025.
The future high-voltage battery assembly facility will cover 4000 square meters and represents an important expansion of BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand’s business activities. In the new manufacturing facility, imported battery cells will be assembled into modules and then integrated into the high-voltage battery. The BMW Group has invested more than 1.6 billion baht or around 42 million euros in this project. A significant part of this investment, almost 1.4 billion baht or around 36 million euros, is being spent on state-of-the-art machinery and equipment.
High-voltage batteries for locally manufactured plug-in hybrid models have been produced in Thailand with a cooperation partner since 2019. The BMW Group Plant Rayong produces around two dozen BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad models and also exports them to various ASEAN markets. In 2023, over 12,000 cars and almost 11,000 motorcycles were produced at the Rayong plant.
Extensive qualification program and UNICEF education program
Extensive training programs are carried out for employees in the global production network. With the transfer of knowledge, the BMW Group aims to improve the technical skills of local employees. The investments in training and further education also underline the BMW Group’s commitment to Thailand as an industrial location. In addition to promoting the individual development of its workforce, the BMW Group is also committed to Thailand’s progress and the global shift towards more resource-efficient mobility solutions. This year, the BMW Group and UNICEF will work together in Thailand to improve the career paths of young people through a targeted STEM education program, skills training and career guidance.
