Daimler and Kamaz launch cab frame plant, invest 200 mln euros
NABEREZHNYE CHELNY. May 27 (Interfax) - PJSC KAMAZ and German automaker Daimler have launched a joint cab frame assembly plant, an Interfax correspondent reported from the launch ceremony.
"Around 200 million euros in investment in the production site represents a substantial contribution by the two brands in Russia, with the area of the plant coming in at 60,000 square meters, production capacity of over 50,000 cabin frames and automation [of production] at over 80%, generating over 700 additional skilled jobs," head of the Daimler Kamaz Rus JV Andreas Deuschle said in a press conference.
Kamaz will be the primary consumer of the plant's output, Deuschle said, with 80% of frames delivered to the Kamaz production line for use in K5-series trucks.
"Over 65% of molded parts will be delivered from the Kamaz forging and pressing facility," Daimler Kamaz Rus Chief Operating Officer Jurgen Olberding said. A 3D-printer and ultrasound welding control will also be used in production. Localized components include the side-view mirrors, the windshield, forward frame, hinges, pedal block, cabin beam, interior trimming and climate-control system.
Moulded components for the cabin frames are produced using Russian steel, Kamaz deputy head Irek Gumerov said. "This has made it possible to create the basis for a wide range of models - different families of vehicle based on these cabin frames. This will make it possible to provide the corresponding volume and corresponding effectiveness of this production site," he said.
Kamaz has built the cabin frame plant in partnership with Daimler. The new cabin frames will be delivered both to the assembly conveyors of Kamaz for assembly of K5 series trucks, as well as to Mercedes-Benz truck assembly plants. Materials provided by the parties earlier indicated capacity of 57,000 framesm while on Monday, the JV clarified that capacity would be 55,000 frames per year.
Kamaz and Daimler have since 2012 been implementing an investment project aimed at developing the Kamaz line of vehicles, with overall investment of 100 billion rubles. Serial production of the new model line of Kamaz trucks began in 2013 with the Kamaz-5490 truck.