NORD DRIVESYSTEMS Boosts Workforce and Sustainability Efforts in Polish Factory Expansion

The NORD factory in Wiechlice was only opened in 2019. Now it will be expanded due to required production capacities.

In a bid to accommodate the increasing demand for their highly efficient IE5+ synchronous motor and other electric motors, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has announced a significant expansion of its factory in Wiechlice, Western Poland. The company plans to almost triple the size of its production location, adding new capabilities and adopting sustainable practices to support its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Established in 2019, the Wiechlice factory has quickly become a crucial production site for NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, particularly for the innovative IE5+ synchronous motor. The IE5+ motor stands out for its exceptional energy efficiency, surpassing the highest defined IE5 efficiency class. This distinction has driven the soaring demand for these motors, necessitating the expansion of the factory.

The expansion project involves adding an extension to the existing factory hall from two sides, expanding the current area from 11,000 m2 to an impressive 32,000 m2. Construction commenced in April 2023, and the company aims to inaugurate the expanded facility in the second quarter of 2024. With this enlargement, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS aims to triple the current production capacity, producing a staggering 30,000 motors per week. Consequently, the workforce will also experience substantial growth from the current 220 employees.

Central to the Wiechlice factory’s operations is the automatic winding process, in which the stators are manufactured. The state-of-the-art winding process is at the forefront of the industry, setting new standards and contributing to the factory’s critical role within NORD’s global production association.

NORD-factory-hall-extended.jpg: The existing factory hall will be extended on two sites. Deep boreholes in the earth will allow for the extraction of geothermal energy to be used for CO2-free heating

Notably, the company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and has devised an innovative solution during the construction process. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS plans to install a geothermal system, utilizing a total of 52 boreholes, each reaching depths of up to 250 meters. This cutting-edge geothermal system will tap into the earth’s natural heat to provide CO2-free heating for the factory halls, aligning with the company’s sustainability objectives. The site’s geological characteristics make it highly suitable for the utilization of geothermal energy, providing an excellent opportunity for NORD to further reduce its carbon footprint.

Jörg Niermann, Head of Marketing at NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, emphasized the significance of the expansion and geothermal project in meeting the growing demand for their motor technologies and advancing their sustainable practices. He expressed pride in the skilled workforce at Wiechlice, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the success of the IE5+ synchronous motor and other products.

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, with approximately 4,700 employees worldwide, has been a key player in drive technology since 1965. As a global full-service provider, the company offers standard drives as well as tailor-made solutions for various industries, including energy-saving drives and explosion-protected systems. With annual sales of 870 million Euros in 2021, the company has a strong international presence with subsidiaries in 36 countries and sales partners in over 50 countries, providing technical support, local stocks, assembly centers, and customer service.

The expansion of the Wiechlice factory represents a significant milestone for NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, enabling them to meet the surging demand for their cutting-edge IE5+ synchronous motor while also incorporating sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. As the company continues to innovate and grow, it reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality drive solutions for various industries while embracing responsible and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.