Global motion technology company Schaeffler announced in a press release the expansion of its operations in the U.S. with the addition of a new manufacturing facility focused on producing automotive electric mobility solutions.
Schaeffler is investing over $230 million in building the new greenfield manufacturing facility, strategically located in Dover, Ohio, as well as future expansions in the state until 2032. As part of an agreement with the State of Ohio and JobsOhio, the company will receive incentives via grants and tax credits for these investments that will create 650 jobs in the state. These jobs will lead to growth at the company’s current facility in Wooster, Ohio, and the new manufacturing facility in Dover.
Construction of the new facility will begin in mid-2024 with an estimated completion in the third quarter of 2025. Once complete, the first phase of the facility will boast roughly 130,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space dedicated to electric mobility solutions for the automotive industry. Products manufactured at this site will include electric axles for light and medium-duty vehicles, the release stated.
“Our new plant will play a pivotal role in shaping our future in the Americas region,” said Marc McGrath, chief executive officer of Schaeffler Americas. “Dedicated to advancing our innovative product offering, our new Dover, Ohio, facility will feature state-of-the-art production processes so we can better serve our customers, while also adopting sustainable practices, as we continue to pioneer motion.”
The new facility will produce products with cutting-edge technology, featuring Schaeffler-designed and manufactured tools and equipment. The products include electric axles, showcasing Schaeffler’s dedication to delivering sustainable and efficient high-performance solutions for the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. The new facility will incorporate eco-friendly practices, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and to be climate neutral by 2040.
The new manufacturing facility location is in the proximity of Schaeffler’s customers, major automotive OEMs, strategic suppliers, rail, access to highways and to the company’s Wooster facility, which specializes in the manufacturing of transmission systems and serves as an innovation hub for automotive electric mobility.
The new facility will create approximately 450 job opportunities by 2032. Positions include manufacturing operators (assembly, welding and CNC), material handlers, manufacturing leaders, engineers, maintenance technicians, tooling technicians, quality professionals and other support staff.
Partnerships with local technical colleges will ensure a robust talent pipeline and provide the community both apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities to be part of the future of electric mobility.
For more than 40 years, Schaeffler has considered the State of Ohio a vital partner, the release stated. The company has relied on the state’s talented and committed workforce to keep its original equipment and aftermarket facilities operating smoothly and the quality of its products at the highest level.
Schaeffler strives to be a strong, contributing corporate citizen in each of the communities it operates, and looks forward to developing a positive relationship with the City of Dover and Tuscarawas County. As part of its commitment to Ohio, Schaeffler recently completed an expansion in Wooster of almost 90,000 square feet to produce electric motors and components for electric powertrain systems. Schaeffler also announced an increased relationship with The Ohio State University to create a new battery cell research and development center that will open in 2025.
Schaeffler will plan a groundbreaking event later this year to commemorate the start of construction at its future site. More information on this event will be available in the near future.
