Ghent, Belgium – The comprehensive transformation of the Volvo Car Factory in Ghent is nearly complete, paving the way for the production of the fully electric Volvo EX30. The first units of the highly anticipated model are scheduled to roll off the production line by the end of April.
The ambitious overhaul, which represents a €200 million investment, includes major upgrades across the facility, from the battery plant and body shop to the welding department and assembly hall.
The expansion has been driven by Volvo’s commitment to local production and its strategy to manufacture vehicles closer to their primary markets.
Significant Expansion in Welding and Automation
One of the most extensive modifications took place in the welding department, which was expanded by 40,000 square meters—nearly doubling its size.
As part of the modernization, a total of 580 robots will now be in operation within the factory, 420 of which are newly installed while 160 have been refurbished.
For the first time, the Ghent factory will also handle door assembly, a process that was previously completed in Sweden. This shift aligns with Volvo’s broader goal of sourcing components and assembling vehicles within regional markets.
“This aligns with our strategy to build cars where we sell them and source components locally,” a Volvo representative stated, underscoring the company’s push for regionalized production to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Strategic Importance of Ghent for EX30 Production
The decision to manufacture the EX30 in Ghent is a strategic one, with 80% of the model’s output destined for the European market.
The factory will also produce units for the United States, a significant move considering that the EX30 produced in China has not yet been introduced to American consumers.
By 2025, Volvo Car Ghent aims to manufacture 30,000 EX30 vehicles annually, marking a significant step in the automaker’s broader electrification plans.
A Race Against Time
Factory director Stefan Fesser described the transformation process as a race against time, requiring simultaneous execution of tasks that were traditionally performed sequentially.
“We had to adjust part of the body shop and the battery plant and integrate new areas,” Fesser explained. “The usual implementation time for such a transformation was halved by conducting processes in parallel.”
A key factor in accelerating the transition was the use of Virtual Reality (VR) simulations. “Using Virtual Reality, we could simulate the new equipment in advance and knew exactly what needed to be changed before making modifications in the factory. This significantly shortened the implementation time,” Fesser added.
Factory Tour Showcases EX30 Production Upgrades
On Monday afternoon, members of the press were given an extensive tour of the newly revamped facility.
Journalists observed the various upgrades firsthand and were briefed on the EX30’s production process, which highlights Volvo’s growing commitment to electric vehicle manufacturing.
With the final stages of preparation underway, Volvo’s Ghent factory is set to play a crucial role in the company’s electrification journey, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainable production within the European automotive market.
