Magnax, which specializes in the development of yokeless axial flux motors, is expanding its prototyping and testing capabilities in Kortrijk, Belgium, by establishing a pilot production line.
The expansion will, the company states, play an important role in accelerating the development, manufacturing and testing of prototypes of yokeless axial flux motors and power electronics.
The new line, adjacent to its existing R&D offices, will bring all critical manufacturing and testing capabilities under one roof. The construction work has already started and installation of new equipment as well as the relocation of existing equipment is anticipated to be completed by Q4 2021.
The company is expecting to employ about 40 people by the end of the year. “With this 400m² pilot line expansion, state-of-the-art equipment and a talented team, we are positioning ourselves to take our promising axial flux motor technology to market. Having our R&D resources and manufacturing capabilities under one roof will accelerate the scale up of our prototyping and bring the motors toward industrialization faster,” said Marc Beulque, CEO Magnax Motors.
The company feels that the market appeal of axial flux motors is increasing as major automotive players start to recognize the value of the high power density, high efficiency and compactness of the technology.