+++ 100 students starting training in Debrecen +++ 6,500m² state of the art Training Centre for associates and students +++ Milestone on the road to NEUE KLASSE +++

 

Debrecen / Munich. The BMW Group has officially opened the Training Center at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The company is making a significant investment of over one billion euros in the site, which will be the production hub for the first all-electric model of the Neue Klasse starting in 2025. The BMW Group recognizes the critical role of education and training in developing highly skilled employees.

The Neue Klasse represents the next generation of BMW models, combining the company’s innovation in the areas of electrification, digitization, and circularity.

The opening of the Training Center in Debrecen marks an important milestone in the BMW Group’s journey towards commencing Neue Klasse production in 2025.

The newly equipped Training Center spans an impressive area of almost 6,500 square meters, with an investment of nearly 20 million euros. It is specifically designed to provide training to employees of the BMW Group Plant in Debrecen, as well as trainees and dual education students, equipping them with the necessary skills required for the production of the new generation of models.

Ilka Horstmeier, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The Neue Klasse represents our vision for the future, as it enables us to completely rethink mobility and collaboration. Our employees play a crucial role in shaping our transformation, and education and training are pivotal factors in our company’s future direction. By commencing the training of the first 100 students and the opening of the Training Center in Debrecen, we emphasize the importance of education and training for the future success of our company.”

The number of trainees is expected to reach a total of up to 300 by 2025, making it one of Hungary’s largest apprentice training programs.

Through collaboration with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center, the BMW Group offers a dual training program that provides students with valuable skills for a potential career. The program, which lasts for three years, covers areas such as mechatronics, electronics, automotive mechatronics, and IT systems and applications. All these capabilities are vital for future automotive production. The state-of-the-art Training Center offers advanced facilities and a high-tech learning environment. After successful completion of the apprenticeship, trainees are offered employment contracts by the BMW Group or have the option to pursue further education.

Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant Debrecen, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Training Center, stating, “We are delighted to welcome the first apprentices to our facility. Here, we will provide them with comprehensive knowledge about automotive production, our processes, and the BMW culture. Our culture is key to a successful future in Debrecen. We function as one plant, one team, counting on each other and valuing everyone’s contributions and knowledge.”

In addition to its initiatives for students and trainees, and creating new employment opportunities, the BMW Group plans to collaborate with local and regional universities to support and implement art and cultural projects. This commitment reflects the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and actively engaging with local communities.

Peter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, commented on the occasion, saying, “We are delighted that the BMW Group is bringing its latest technologies to Hungary and will produce its newest battery-electric model here in Debrecen in the future. The Training Center will enhance cooperation between Hungary and Germany, providing young students with excellent prospects for the future through the joint education and training program.”

The Training Center at the BMW Group plant in Debrecen is one of the first fully completed buildings on the 400-hectare site that is already operational. The Communication Center will be the next major structure to be completed and functional.

The BMW Group planned and developed the Debrecen plant as an iFACTORY and aims to power it entirely with fossil-free energy, making it the world’s first production plant of its kind. A significant portion of the energy needed will be generated by a 50-hectare photovoltaic system directly installed on the factory premises.

The plant has been designed to have a production capacity of 150,000 units per year.