The German-based automotive wiring manufacturer Kromberg & Schubert has officially inaugurated its second production site in Béja, Tunisia, dubbed Béja 2. Spanning 60,000 square meters, this new facility complements the existing Béja 1 site, which has been operational in the region. The expansion is part of the company's strategy to support the transition of the automotive sector towards electric vehicles.
Béja 1 and Béja 2 will cater to different markets, with Béja 1 focused on wiring harnesses for internal combustion engine vehicles and Béja 2 dedicated to electric vehicle systems. The new site will supply major automotive manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, with production entirely destined for export. This move aligns with Tunisia's efforts to diversify its industrial base and increase its presence in the global automotive supply chain.
Kromberg & Schubert has invested a total of 270 million dinars in the new facility, with 130 million dinars allocated for equipment and 140 million dinars for building infrastructure. The company plans to significantly expand its workforce, increasing its headcount from approximately 8,500 to over 14,000 employees by 2029. The new jobs will be primarily in technical, engineering, and senior technician roles.
The Béja 2 site will feature a range of production activities, including cutting, preparation, and assembly of wiring harnesses. These tasks require high levels of precision and dexterity, which is reflected in the site's workforce composition. Women make up nearly 70% of the Béja site's employees, according to Wissem Badri, Managing Director of Kromberg & Schubert Tunisia.
The two Béja sites are expected to generate a combined revenue of approximately 1.5 billion dinars. This significant investment and job creation are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to Tunisia's economic growth. The expansion also underscores Kromberg & Schubert's commitment to Tunisia as a strategic production location.
The new facility is part of a broader trend of automotive suppliers investing in electric vehicle technology. As the global automotive industry shifts towards electrification, suppliers like Kromberg & Schubert are adapting their production capabilities to meet changing demand. The company's investment in Béja 2 positions it to capitalize on this trend and maintain its competitiveness in the market.
With the inauguration of Béja 2, Kromberg & Schubert has solidified its presence in Tunisia and reinforced its role as a key player in the country's automotive sector. The company's commitment to investing in the local economy and creating jobs is expected to have a lasting impact on the region.
Key points
- Kromberg & Schubert invests 270 million dinars in new automotive wiring factory in Béja, Tunisia.
- The new site, Béja 2, will focus on electric vehicle systems and employ over 14,000 people by 2029.
- The two Béja sites are expected to generate a combined revenue of approximately 1.5 billion dinars.
