Fronius is investing hugely in expanding production. “We have increased total floor space from 41,000 m² to 69,000 m². Our production facilities are operating constantly at full speed to meet rocketing demand the best we can,” says Martin Hackl, Global Director Marketing and Sales, Business Unit Solar Energy, Fronius International GmbH. High value creation in Europe is top priority for Fronius; this is the only way that high quality and safety standards can be ensured. “95 percent of our contract partners come from Europe,” states Martin Hackl.
New production lines
The northern expansion of the production plant in Sattledt, Austria, is already up and running. The Fronius Tauro has been manufactured there since the middle of August. The existing manufacturing facilities are being converted, resulting in an additional production line for the Fronius GEN24 Plus this year. Two more will be added in 2023. “The additional production lines help us to meet the high demand”, explains Martin Hackl.
„Output at Fronius is higher than ever,” says Martin Hackl. In 2022, a total of almost 32,000 inverters per month were produced. By the end of 2023, this should be more than 52,000 per month, a rise of more than 65 percent. This meets a real boom in PV. “Photovoltaics are more sought-after than ever before, and demand is exploding,” says Martin Hackl. At the same time, the pandemic presented companies around the world with new challenges. Even Fronius was not spared. “Despite difficult circumstances such as unstable supply chains and shortages of components and staff, we were able to secure supply and stabilize production,” reports Martin Hackl.
Sustainable investment at all sites
Investment in energy-saving technologies and conscious consumption of resources are principles that are firmly established at Fronius: Two ice tanks are used at the production site at Sattledt for heating in winter and cooling in summer. It is currently the largest system of its type in Europe. A further highlight is the fully automatic high-bay warehouse, which provides space for 7000 pallets and 12,500 containers for small parts.
At the Czech site in Krumau, the next phase of expansion is already being planned, even though the most recent addition has only just been finished. Plans for the next five years include a doubling of the workforce and a substantial expansion of production space.
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Many of the 25 branches of Fronius Solar Energy are investing in the future over the coming year. For instance, Fronius Italy will put a new PV system and charging stations for electric cars into operation. At Fronius in Switzerland, field staff will be using twelve electric vehicles to get around from 2023. Fronius is also investing in new staff. Martin Hackl expects strong growth over the next two years: “We’re looking for around 1300 new employees worldwide by the end of 2023.” (hcn)
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