BorgWarner to Expand Dual-Clutch Capacity

With demand for its dual-clutch transmission modules (known as DualTronic) expected to increase 500% by 2013, BorgWarner has opened its second manufacturing facility at its drivetrain campus in Arnstadt, Germany.
The new facility will double the manufacturing area of the current site to over 107,000 square feet (10,000 square meters) by 2010.
In addition, a new vehicle lab and test track with tight curves, steeply graded hills and sharp exits has been constructed for on-site evaluation of series-production technologies.
“The dramatic worldwide growth in dual-clutch transmissions continues to be very positive,” said Dr. Bernd Matthes, president and general manager, BorgWarner Transmission Systems.
“Now that new applications across the world are going into high-volume production, more and more customers are discovering the fuel-saving potential and improved performance of BorgWarner’s impressive transmission technology.”
During the opening ceremonies, BorgWarner executives hosted auto industry leaders and local government officials.
They joined BorgWarner executives for an inaugural tour, test drives on the new test track, technical presentations, and displays of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles featuring DualTronic systems.
Over one million DualTronic systems have been built in Arnstadt since the first plant opened four years ago.
During the next few years, the company plans to invest nearly euro 26 million to expand the site.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 64 locations in 17 countries.