JLR to open Slovakian facility
Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that it will be the first British carmaker to open a manufacturing facility in Slovakia.
The announcement follows an agreement between the company and the government of the Slovak Republic to build a new plant in the city of Nitra, western Slovakia. The new, world-class, £1 billion premium manufacturing facility will eventually employ around 2,800 people.
As part of Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to deliver more lightweight vehicles, the plant will manufacture a range of all-new aluminium Jaguar Land Rover vehicles. It is anticipated that the first cars will come off the production line in late 2018. The factory will have an initial capacity of 150,000 vehicles and construction will commence in 2016.
Dr Ralf Speth, chief executive officer, Jaguar Land Rover commented, ‘Jaguar Land Rover is delighted today to welcome Slovakia into our family. The new factory will complement our existing facilities in the UK, China, India and Brazil and marks the next step in the company’s strategy to become a truly global business.
Slovakia has an established premium automotive sector, which represents 43% of the country’s overall industry. It has more than 300 suppliers in close proximity and an excellent logistics infrastructure; this confirmed our decision that this country was the ideal location.
‘The heart of our company will always be in the UK, where our design, technology and manufacturing capabilities are based. It is our creativity and innovation which makes Jaguar Land Rover the leading boutique automotive brand, offering exceptional products for our customers.’
The announcement follows Jaguar Land Rover’s recent confirmation to double its investment in its engine plant in the UK to almost £1 billion – the largest injection into a new British manufacturing plant in decades creating several hundred new jobs.
