Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has announced its intention to continue the shift towards electric hauling solutions by investing approximately $32.7million, into its production facility in Braås, Sweden between now and 2027.
The facility, which specialises in the design and manufacture of articulated haulers for the global market, produced the world’s first fossil-free construction machine, an A30G which was delivered to Swedish construction company, NCC earlier this year.
As part of the investment the factory is expected to be adapted over the coming years 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.
The investment will also be used to extend production capacity at the 45,000 m² site in southern Sweden to broaden the product range going forwards, with the addition of new buildings and production equipment.
As well as this, Volvo CE says it will invest in automation and ergonomics to both reduce the need for employees to engage in repetitive tasks and create a safer work environment.
“The transport and construction industry is undergoing a transformation with, among other things, an increasing number of electrified vehicles,” says 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.”
