German automotive supplier Mahle said on Thursday it is expanding its Morristown plant in the United States to manufacture e-compressors for electric vehicles, marking a shift in production toward electrification.
The new line in Tennessee will add about 50 jobs, bringing the site’s workforce close to 800. Mahle, which has been present in the US since 1975 and operates 15 locations nationwide, described the e-compressors as “crucial for battery life, high charging speeds and driving range.” The company did not disclose planned volumes or customer names.
“Starting the e-compressor production in Morristown, Tennessee, marks an important milestone for MAHLE as we further strengthen our footprint in the USA and our role as local employer,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Mahle. “This extension is a great example of successfully transforming a production plant formerly fully dedicated to internal combustion engines by launching electrification products for future mobility – a clear investment in the plant’s future.”
Mahle first announced a billion-euro order for e-compressors in 2022. Its high-voltage units support up to 900 volts, outputs of 18 kW and displacements of up to 57 cm³. The compact design, enabled by a patented refrigerant cooling system, allows use across vehicle classes ranging from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks.