Manz AG: Major order from automotive industry for automated assembly in the field of the electric powertrain

04.05.2018 07:31:00 CEST, Reutlingen Manz AG has received a major order in the double-digit million euro range in the Electronics business segment from a global electronics company. The order to manufacture the central contacting system for battery cells in electric vehicles is based on the modular LightAssembly platform.

• Successful development of the LightAssembly platform convinces Tier1 automotive supplier
• Cross-segment knowledge transfer offers customers comprehensive solutions in the electric powertrain sector

Manz AG, a global high-tech equipment manufacturer, has received a major order in the double-digit million euro range in the Electronics business segment from a global electronics company. The order to manufacture the central contacting system for battery cells in electric vehicles is based on the modular LightAssembly platform. Contacting systems are integrated into the electrical energy storage system in order to allow series or parallel connection of lithium-ion battery cells or to carry out voltage measurements in each cell and temperature measurements in the module. The overall order was divided into two equal parts: Manz AG has already received the first tranche, the second one is expected for the third quarter of 2018.

The order allows Manz AG to enter another key field within the electrical vehicle powertrain. Originally designed for the consumer electronics industry, Manz AG has successfully developed its trusted LightAssembly platform for use in the automotive industry as well. Its modular units were combined to create a customer-specific solution that uses a wide range of technologies: from assembly to ultrasound welding, bonding, soldering, laser welding, cleaning, and automated function tests. At the same time, the LightAssembly platform offers the flexibility needed for modern production processes. The assembly line can be adapted to different sizes and designs via software in order to produce different types of contacting systems for battery cells on the line.

Eckhard Hörner-Marass, CEO of Manz AG, comments: “The order is a great success for Manz AG and is impressive evidence of how we can develop new areas with our broad technological expertise. In the past, in terms of e-mobility we concentrated on battery cell production systems in our Energy Storage segment. Now, with our expertise in the Electronics segment we can also offer automated assembly systems for the mass production of intelligent main assemblies used in electric powertrains. And with our flexible Battery Laser System BLS 500 for welding both components, we can offer our customers the ideal platform for any necessary laser applications. Because of this, we are highly confident we will continue to secure further orders in this field in the future as well.”