Thyssenkrupp is investing US$110m to build a new engine and steering components plant in Hungary.
It said the move was necessary to help facilitate the large orders it had won from global car makers in the past months, which the company said was worth more than US$4.9m.
Construction for the plant, based 70km east of Budapest in Jaszfenyszaru, will begin in the spring of 2016 and aims to create more than 500 jobs.
Karsten Kroos, chief executive of Thyssenkrupp, said, “This investment follows our strategy toward standardization and cost optimization in the automotive components business.
“For the first time in Europe we are localizing production of two different technologies at one site.
“We have already achieved success with this strategy in China and will also be employing it in other growth markets.”
Thyssenkrupp also said production of electronic power-assisted steering systems and cylinder head covers with integrated camshafts is planned to commence in 2018 to fulfill the growing demand.
The company already operates a software and development center for steering technology in Budapest where more than 400 software engineers are employed.
Kroos added that Hungary offers good conditions for growth plans and the central location with good infrastructure are the main reasons for expanding business activities in the country.
March 7, 2016