BorgWarner, a US automotive supplier, has announced plans to expand its battery and e-mobility capacities in the United States. The company will upgrade existing facilities in South Carolina and Michigan, as well as open a new EV battery service centre.
The Seneca factory in South Carolina will receive a $42 million investment to upgrade the facility and develop new manufacturing lines. BorgWarner plans to produce 3GWh of battery modules annually from the expanded facility starting in the first half of 2024.
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In Michigan, BorgWarner confirmed that it has received a $1.86 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to expand its manufacturing capability and presence. The grant is part of a $20 million investment by BorgWarner into expanding three existing facilities, including developing a new EV battery service centre in the state.
The Hazel Park facility will receive almost half of the investment, with $10.6 million going towards building a new 100,000-square-foot EV R&D centre. The new battery service centre will provide service for all BorgWarner batteries in North America, with a focus on testing, diagnostics, and training. The facility will also add a new battery module assembly line.
The remaining capital will be split equally between the Auburn Hills and Dearborn plants. In Auburn Hills, new electrification labs will be established, which will house testing equipment and allow for further research and development activities. In Dearborn, the facility will grow by 7,000 square feet for new manufacturing, engineering, and service departments dedicated to DC fast-charging equipment. This is to double its current capacity and implement a second shift.
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Overall, the investment will enhance BorgWarner’s volume capacity, grow its cross-functional departments, and accelerate the development, manufacturing, and testing of EV products and EV charging infrastructure equipment, including battery modules and packs. The company is grateful for the funding received from the State of South Carolina and MEDC, and is committed to expanding its battery and e-mobility capacities in the United States.
