Tesla ups investment in boost to Berlin battery cell production
Tesla's Increased Investment and Expansion Plans in Berlin
Overview of the New Investment
BERLIN, May 12 (Reuters) - U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla will increase its investment in battery cell production at its plant outside Berlin by almost $250 million, boosting its capacity target for the site, the company said on Tuesday.
Background: Previous Investments and Strategy
Tesla announced in December investments amounting to almost 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) at the site in Gruenheide, south-east of the German capital, as it seeks to bring battery cell and vehicle production all under one roof from next year.
Capacity Expansion Details
With the latest investment, Tesla plans to create the conditions for annual production capacity of 18 gigawatt hours, up from a previously planned 8 GWh.
Impact on Employment
"The ramp-up of battery cell production will also be accompanied by a significant increase in labour demand," the company said in a statement, estimating its staffing needs in battery cell production at more than 1,500 employees.
Current Workforce at Gruenheide
Tesla currently employs almost 11,000 people in Gruenheide, the company's only gigafactory in Europe.
Additional Information
($1 = 0.8519 euros)
(Reporting by Christoph Steitz and Rachel More; Editing by Linda Pasquini and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
