Finnish company Kempower is making strides in expanding its operations with the establishment of a new factory in Lahti, Finland. This move is set to double Kempower’s production capacity in Europe and will be complemented by the setup of a research center at LUT University in Lahti.
With a letter of intent signed for the lease of premises spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, Kempower plans to gradually open the plant throughout 2024. Alongside production, the facility will also house research, development, and office spaces, creating a comprehensive hub for the company.
The construction of the new factory and R&D center marks the initial phase of Kempower’s European capacity expansions, scheduled to take place between 2024 and 2025. Depending on market demand, the company remains open to the possibility of further augmenting its production capacity on the continent.
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Located within the Isku Center in Lahti, Kempower’s new premises will be situated alongside Isku, LAB University of Applied Sciences, LUT University, and other businesses. The selection of this site was based on various factors, including its potential for future expansion and its alignment with principles of sustainability and integration.
Collaboration with LUT University will be a key focus for Kempower, as the company anticipates that working closely with local universities will enhance its access to cutting-edge research and knowledge.
Kempower’s CEO, Tomi RistimĂ€ki, expressed his optimism about the company’s growth prospects, stating, “By locating our product development and research close to production, we can continue our growth efficiently and build top expertise in e-mobility in Finland.”
Lahti’s commitment to climate goals and the suitability of the premises for future expansion were influential factors in the decision to choose the city as Kempower’s expansion site, added RistimĂ€ki.
Roope Vikström, Isku’s General Counsel, highlighted the significance of reusing an old factory property, referring to the arrival of Kempower as “an excellent example” of this practice. He views the company’s presence as a natural continuation of the work that began when the property was renovated for university use. The renovations themselves incorporated environmentally friendly elements such as a geothermal system, while the facility is also connected to a local solar power plant.
The R&D center is expected to commence operations by the end of 2023, situated on the same property as the new production facility, which will be fully operational in 2024.
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Kempower’s expansion in Lahti aligns with the company’s growth strategy to become one of the leading players in Europe and North America by 2030. Alongside the new facility in Finland, which will be its second in the country, Kempower also has plans to open a production facility in North Carolina, United States, later this year.
Renowned for its fast-charging systems, Kempower has gained traction in the market, receiving orders from various regions in 2022. These include providing services for e-buses in Denmark and establishing fast-charging stations in Estonia as part of the Terminal Group’s petrol station network. The company has also secured contracts from Norway, Sweden, Romania, and Australia.
In the summer of 2022, Kempower made waves with the launch of a liquid-cooled fast-charging system capable of delivering 400 kW continuous power, catering to heavy-duty vehicles.
