BorgWarner Adds New Production Line for Electric Vehicles in Tralee

BorgWarner has further extended its production capabilities in Tralee. At an event today with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, the CEO of IDA Ireland, Martin Shanahan, Seán Kelly, MEP, and the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Terry O’Brien, the company announced a €10 million investment in capital equipment and a €1.5 million investment in facility renovations to expand the plant’s engineering and testing capabilities, create new jobs and improve the facility’s environmental footprint.

Beginning in 2017, BorgWarner plans to add a flexible manufacturing line for the high-volume production of high-voltage positive temperature coefficient (PTC) cabin heaters in order to meet the growing demand for thermal management solutions that add to extended battery-powered driving range of hybrid and electric vehicles. In cooperation with IDA Ireland, up to 50 new jobs could be created.

Welcoming the announcement, Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “This is great news for Tralee. BorgWarner is a world-class company at the cutting edge of technologies for electric vehicles and this new investment represents key wins for the government’s job creation policies. Expanding the manufacturing sector generally is a key priority for us and these quality jobs and projects in high-potential business sectors are exactly the type we are vigorously pursuing.”

“In Tralee, BorgWarner continues to provide high-value employment opportunities in this regional location and has done so for over 30 years,” said Martin Shanahan. “The contribution the company makes to the local economy is highly significant. This investment marks an important milestone in our long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership.”

In addition to expanding manufacturing and test capabilities as well as the facility’s office and warehouse space, the investment will add sophisticated assembly and test equipment. “As the trend towards hybrid and electric propulsion continues, we expect demand for our efficient, high-voltage cabin heating solutions to grow. By further expanding our EV capabilities, we are able to continue supporting our customers as they look to rapidly expand their EV product portfolio” said Joe Fadool, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Emissions & Thermal Systems. “We are pleased to expand our succesful collaboration with the IDA here in Ireland and strengthen our product leadership in advanced thermal management solutions with the investment in this strategically important location.”

BorgWarner always aims at reducing the enviromental impact of its facilities around the world. The Tralee facility focused on products for advanced hybrid and electric vehicles extends it commitment to the environment with facility investments targeted at energy independence and zero landfill waste. Recent examples include investments in highly efficient heat pump systems, which reduce the facility’s fuel oil consumption by 80 percent as well as improved LED lighting and building insulation.