Dürr has secured a turnkey project from Volkswagen Autoeuropa to design and build a new-generation automotive paint shop in Palmela, Portugal, combining energy-efficient production technologies with a unified digital control platform. The project is aimed at supporting future vehicle programs while improving sustainability, operational efficiency, and production visibility across the facility.
Volkswagen Autoeuropa, one of the company’s key manufacturing sites in Europe, produced more than 236,000 vehicles in 2024. To prepare for upcoming model launches and evolving production requirements, the automaker is investing in advanced paint technologies and digital systems capable of delivering higher efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
A key feature of the project is the integration of Dürr’s latest coating technologies, designed to lower paint consumption, reduce energy use, and improve process performance. The facility will utilize the EcoBell4 Pro rotary atomizer system for clear-coat application. The technology enables the use of both glossy and matte clear coats through a single application system, reducing material changeover requirements and minimizing solvent consumption.
The advanced application process significantly improves paint transfer efficiency, ensuring that more coating material reaches the vehicle surface while reducing overspray. Lower paint waste and reduced air consumption contribute to improved resource utilization and lower operating costs. The technology also decreases the load on air treatment systems, helping to reduce overall energy demand.
The paint shop will also feature Dürr’s EcoSmartCure drying technology. The electrically heated drying system uses intelligent temperature management to deliver heat only where and when required. This approach reduces energy consumption, shortens processing times, and lowers carbon emissions while maintaining consistent coating quality. The solution is particularly suited for modern vehicle manufacturing, including electric vehicle production.
Alongside the physical infrastructure, Dürr will implement a comprehensive digital control architecture using its DXQcontrol platform. The software solution will connect the new paint shop with two existing facilities, including the main paint operation and a dedicated roof-painting line, creating a single supervisory control and monitoring environment.
By bringing multiple production systems into one platform, Volkswagen Autoeuropa will gain greater operational transparency, centralized process management, and improved decision-making capabilities. The integrated system will also simplify maintenance, enhance production flexibility, and support future expansion requirements.
As part of the turnkey package, Dürr will supply additional equipment including paint mixing facilities, measurement systems, work platforms, and internal conveyor solutions. Acting as the main contractor, the company will oversee all phases of design, engineering, installation, and commissioning. The project will be executed in multiple stages and is scheduled for completion by mid-2027, supporting Volkswagen Autoeuropa’s next generation of vehicle production while setting new standards for sustainable and digitally connected paint shop operations.
Dürr India Private Limited, established in 1997 and headquartered in Chennai, is a leading provider of advanced turnkey solutions for the automotive sector. The company specializes in sustainable and energy-efficient technologies covering paint shops, sealing and gluing automation, final assembly systems, and lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Serving both greenfield and brownfield projects, Dürr India delivers end-to-end engineering, project execution, and service support tailored to evolving industry requirements.
The company’s Global Engineering Center in Chennai leverages highly skilled talent and internationally aligned engineering standards to support projects across global markets. Its dedicated training facility in Pune provides specialized programs in painting and sealing robot operations, helping customers enhance workforce capabilities and maximize production efficiency. With a strong installed base across India and a reputation for reliable project execution, Dürr India remains a preferred partner for automotive manufacturers. As of 2025, the company employs approximately 350 professionals.
The Dürr Group is among the world’s leading engineering and plant equipment companies, recognized for its expertise in automation, digital technologies, and energy-efficient manufacturing solutions. Its products, systems, and services support highly productive and sustainable operations across industries including automotive, furniture and timber housing, medical and electrical product assembly, and battery manufacturing. In 2025, the Group generated revenue of nearly €4.2 billion and operated through 124 business locations across 32 countries, supported by a workforce of around 18,000 employees worldwide.
