Jungheinrich officially opens its new plant in the Czech Republic

Jungheinrich has inaugurated its newest plant for the production of material handling equipment in Chomutov (Czech Republic). In future, the company will turn the 37,000sqm site located about 85km northwest of Prague into the centre of its reach truck production. More than 350 new jobs will be created as part of the 60-million-euro project. Back in June, Jungheinrich started the production of the first model – the reach truck ETV 216i – in Chomutov. The plant is the newest of twelve Jungheinrich production sites around the world and is a central component in increasing efficiency and profitability as part of the company’s Strategy 2025+.

Sabine Neuß, chief technology officer at Jungheinrich AG, said, “Our new plant in Chomutov is one of the most state-of-the-art production facilities for forklift trucks in the world and will elevate our production to the next level. We are expanding the capacity within our production network in Europe and ensuring that the steadily growing demand for our material handling equipment can also be met in the future.”

Beginning with the ETV 216i, the entire reach truck production will be gradually relocated to the plant in Chomutov. Jiri Rösner, Chomutov plant manager, Jungheinrich Chomutov sro, added, “We are delighted to be part of the Jungheinrich family and to continue writing the reach truck’s success story here in Chomutov. Our strong local team continues to grow in order to turn this vision into reality.”

Since its introduction almost five years ago, the ETV 216i has developed into Jungheinrich’s best-seller. The forklift features improved ergonomics and is said to be considerably more compact than other reach trucks. The ETV 216i is believed to be the world’s first forklift with a built-in lithium-ion battery and was developed in Norderstedt.  Following the relocation to Chomutov, Jungheinrich is using the capacities that will free up at the Norderstedt plant to expand its production portfolio to include parts of other order pickers, thus enabling additional growth.

When designing the new plant in Chomutov, Jungheinrich placed particular attention on efficiency and sustainability. From workplaces to complex manufacturing facilities, the entire plant incorporates state-of-the-art technology: For example, in addition to a fully automated centre for the detailed processing of metal, it features an innovative paintwork line, which simultaneously uses both less energy and material for the high-quality powder coating. Manufacturing and assembly with a digital assistance system for factory employees aim to ensure efficiency and quality. Among other things, this is achieved through the use of artificial intelligence.

The energy efficient and CO2​-optimised plant in Chomutov is not only the newest but also the most sustainable ever built by Jungheinrich. In addition to the use of green electricity and the installation of heat pumps, a special thermal insulation in the office area ensures additional energy savings. Jungheinrich was able to reduce its water consumption by means of rainwater harvesting equipment. Furthermore, the plant is located on a 1.5-hectare green space with native bushes and trees and thus contributes to the promotion of local biodiversity.

Jungheinrich opened its first sales unit in the Czech Republic in 1992. There, the company is represented by three sales locations in addition to the new plant. Overall, the sales unit includes more than 360 employees.