Magtec to build drive plant in Rotherham
UK-based engineering firm Magtec is opening a factory for the design, manufacture and integration of its drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. The company has commissioned a 65,000 sq ft facility in Rotherham, South Yorkshire to scale up production and meet growing international demand for its innovative technologies.
Magtec is known for delivering electric and hybrid drive systems for buses, commercial vehicles, special vehicles and trains. The company currently employs 125 people and operates from two sites in Sheffield and Rotherham. The new site is planned to add another 30 skilled engineering jobs.
“We are delighted to be opening our new factory in South Yorkshire and proud to be investing in the future of high-tech design and manufacturing in the UK,” said Managing Director Andrew Gilligan, adding: “Fears over a climate emergency are driving change across the global transport industry and Magtec is absolutely at the forefront of the technology needed to make it happen. Our new factory gives us the space to grow, increase production volumes and fulfil our potential in this exciting sector.”
So far, the company’s focus has lain with supplying drives for projects ranging from 7.5 tonnes to 28 tonnes, including electric refuse vehicles, “the UK’s first electric 7.5 tonne commercial vehicles for the urban daily deliveries market”, the “UK rail industry’s first conversion of a diesel multiple unit to hybrid drive” and “Drive systems for the most demanding defence applications”. What drive systems the British military requisitioned was not explicitly mentioned, however.
UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng was also enthused about the new plant: “This is a perfect example of how our transition away from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles can create jobs and attract investment, all while cutting emissions so we can end our contribution to climate change.”
Last time we reported on Magtec was on their involvement in a battery cell development project in the UK, spearheaded by the British government. At the time, the company was partnered with Avocet and Petalite, with Magtec being responsible for testing the cell performance of the developed batteries.
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