Driven by the surging demand for electric vehicles, Webasto is expanding its battery pack production capabilities in South Korea. The company is augmenting its existing factory in Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do, to accommodate the growing need for EV battery packs. This expansion comes just two years after Webasto commenced mass production of EV battery packs in the country.
Webasto’s state-of-the-art Dangjin Battery Campus is now equipped with enhanced production and storage facilities spanning over 15,000 square meters. This expansion has secured an additional annual production capacity of 100,000 battery packs, enabling the facility to manufacture up to 300,000 batteries per year by 2025. The campus produces and ships battery systems to customers within South Korea.
Marcel Bartling, CEO of Webasto’s Global Electrification Business Unit, said, “This expansion has demonstrated our excellent cooperation with our customers, and has strengthened Dangjin’s position to serve as an important pillar for our company.”
Tae-bong Choi, CEO of Webasto Korea, said, “The completion of the Dangjin second Battery Plant shows what we have achieved together so far and our vision for what we will achieve in the future. Seeing more and more cars on Korean roads with Webasto batteries as well as roof systems makes me proud of our great Korean team.”
The official opening ceremony for the new plant witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Joerg Sandmann (CEO of Webasto APAC), Tae-Bong Choi (CEO of Webasto Korea), Yong-Doo Choi (Plant Manager), Marcel Bartling (Member of the Board of Directors, Webasto SE, and Head of Webasto’s Global Electrification Business Unit), Jehoon Choi (Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Battery Development Center), Woo-Seok Choi (Senior Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group’s Electrification Parts Purchasing Office), Jörn Beißert (Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Korea), and Kim Young-myung (Vice Mayor of Dangjin).
Webasto Korea, established in 1987 through a joint venture partnership, has primarily concentrated on the production and sales of roof systems for many years. In 2019, the company acquired complete ownership and became fully integrated into Webasto’s global development and production network. This transition enabled Webasto Korea to offer electrified products to customers within the Korean market.
Webasto is a globally renowned innovation partner in the mobility industry and ranks among the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide. The company’s core focus areas include the development, manufacturing, and sales of roof systems and vehicle electrification solutions. Its product portfolio encompasses retractable and fixed panoramic roofs, electric high-voltage heaters and batteries, as well as thermal management systems. In addition to its strong presence in Korea, Webasto has established a significant foothold in the Indian market.