While production of the Grenadier will begin in series this summer, Ineos has invited the specialized press to discover the Hambach site. Even journalists accustomed to dealing with this news are impressed by the scale and modernity of the site nestled on 82 hectares.
And for good reason, the Mercedes-Benz group had barely finished the investment works in new buildings for the production of its new electric cars, worth €470 million, that Smartville was up for sale. It was in 2020, and Moselle-Est was trembling for employment.
“When we bought the site, we still put in the end an extension of 50 M€ to adapt the tool in the manufacture of Grenadier. Other sites interested Ineos, but being stamped Mercedes-Benz was an asset for Smartville, ”explains Philippe Steyer, President of Ineos Automotive , at the heart of a forest of 252 robots. A hell of a bet for the company of Jim Ratcliffe, more specialist in petrochemicals than in the creation of automobiles. But the English were able to recruit and surround themselves with specialists to create this new 4×4 while retaining local know-how since jobs were preserved.
The Spirit of the Defender
Already by the Austrian and German designers who gave it its adventurer look, well inspired all the same by the famous Land Rover Defender, but also by managers who came to implement the production process.
The teams are currently working on two positions, we should be on three in 2024
Philippe Steyer, President of Ineos Automotive
The visit passes through the new workshops, such as the ironwork, the very modern painting workshop and the impressive quality control laboratory.
“Before, we didn’t have shoeing here, the activity was outsourced to Magna. The teams are currently working on two positions, we should be on three in 2024”, specifies Philippe Steyer.
Most of the employees having never worked in this field, the company has also invested in 20,000 hours of training. After the shoeing, follows the painting part. The building is also impressive in its size: 168 m long, 80 m wide and 21 m high. The frames arrive here through a long suspended tunnel that connects the two structures.
Other projects in the pipeline
Different robotized steps precede painting such as anti-corrosion and sealing, essential for this all-terrain vehicle. “There is quality control before and following painting. There are two layers: a special one for protection and another for aesthetics”, specifies a technician present. The first production Grenadiers have not yet come off the production line and the group is already thinking regarding the future for a new vehicle. Indeed, the production period of such a vehicle is seven years. Suffice to say tomorrow. Projects are in the cards. But also waterproof for now…
