VOLVO Construction Equipment has confirmed plans to invest around $32.7million into its production facility in Braås, Sweden, which specialises in the design and manufacture of articulated haulers.
The factory will be adapted to enable it to produce a larger range of articulated haulers with different types of powertrain to reflect the shift in demand towards equipment with more sustainable power sources.
Volvo revealed the investment over the next five years will be used to extend production capacity at the 45,000 m² site to broaden the product range, with the addition of new buildings and equipment. The manufacturer added that it will also invest in automation and ergonomics to reduce the need for employees to engage in repetitive tasks and create a safer work environment.
The Braås site constructed the world’s first articulated hauler made from fossil-free steel, while the engineering team has been instrumental in the building of the world’s first prototype articulated hauler powered by hydrogen fuel cells – the concept Volvo HX04 – which is currently the focus of testing to develop future hydrogen solutions.
In 2018, the site became a zero-landfill facility.
“The transport and construction industry is undergoing a transformation with, among other things, an increasing number of electrified vehicles,” said Jonas Lakhall, site manager at Volvo CE in Braås. “This investment will enable us to adapt and extend our production facility so that we can offer a broader range of machines – with different powertrains – to our customers and help them meet their emission reduction ambitions.
“It is important for us to continue to be at the forefront and make clear decisions to meet our Science Based Target commitment to achieve net zero value chain emissions by 2040. By adapting our production for electric machines, we are progressing along our electrification roadmap.”
