Battery maker Clarios said it will invest some €200 million ($262 million) in expanding production capacity for AGM vehicle batteries in its European plants. By 2026, production will be 50% higher with 150 new jobs in Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic and France, it said.
It has 13 sites in Europe, Middle East and Africa, including two recycling plants. It said the investment is designed to focus on AGM production in the near term. This will allow Clarios and its aftermarket brand Varta Automotive to strengthen the leading position in this region.
The largest expansion of AGM capacity will be at the Hanover plant in Germany, Clarios’ European headquarters.
Clarios expects global demand for advanced low-voltage systems to grow by 7% per year up to 2030.
