Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH has agreed on a strategic cooperation with Jonas & Redmann - a specialist in automation solutions of battery cells and modules - to create automation systems. Together, the two companies cover the entire service range; from assembly of battery cells via modules to high-voltage battery packs. Their focus will be on module and package assembly, while Liebherr will focus on module to pack assembly and assuming the role of general contractor.
Kempten (Germany), 07/2022 – One of the essential value creation processes in e-mobility is battery production for electrically powered vehicles. However, until now the overall solutions required by the automotive industry for the complete production chain from cell to finished battery pack have been mainly offered by Asian manufacturers. While the expertise for specialized individual processes is available in Europe, the challenge still remains of integrating this into an overall system for series production. Together, Liebherr and Jonas & Redmann are now in a position to offer this.
Production systems for cell and module assembly: Jonas & Redmann
The Berlin-based Jonas & Redmann Group has been developing and manufacturing production systems for the areas of medical technology, photovoltaics, e-mobility and energy storage for over 30 years. In the energy storage business area, the scope of services ranges from machines for research and development up to complete assembly lines for battery cell and module. The company specializes in the integration of the necessary key technologies into assembly automation, laser processing, and recasting and precision filling processes.
Liebherr: a specialist in battery pack assembly
Liebherr specializes in automation solutions and processes in the area of battery pack assembly, from flexible small batch manufacturing to fully automated mass production. The scope of services ranges from machine and system chains and workpiece handling (via dosing, screwing and assembly processes), up to the integration of end-of-line test benches. As the general contractor, Liebherr is responsible for process reliability, data capture and project management. Liebherr can call on its decades of experience in automotive system construction.
From electrode manufacture to the battery pack
The two companies are among the few providers in Europe to cover the complete and fully integrated value creation chain for the production of battery systems for e-mobility from a single source. “We complement each other perfectly. Jonas & Redmann specializes in automation processes for small, light parts and fast cycle times, whereas we provide the expertise for handling the heavy battery packs,” says Stefan Jehle, Head of Sales at Liebherr Automation Systems.
Competitive advantages thanks to turnkey solutions
Customers from the automotive industry benefit from the joint innovation strength, shortened project runtimes and reduced friction losses, since Liebherr, as the general contractor, assumes responsibility for the overall system. “Together, we are also very well prepared for market trends such as cell-to-pack (CTP) or cell-to-chassis (CTC), i.e. the installation of battery cells directly in the battery pack or vehicle floor,” adds Markus Benedikt, Head of Sales at Jonas & Redmann.
A further plus point is the spatial proximity to the production sites of the automotive manufacturers, since systems for battery manufacturing with very high investment costs, fast response times and spare parts availability are important for service.
Basis for future projects as well
The two companies have already worked together in various sales projects. “From the start, there was a great deal of agreement, both interpersonnaly and technologically,” emphasizes Markus Benedikt. Stefan Jehle adds: “The customer benefits from the presence of a general contractor for the overall system, with clearly defined responsibilities and interfaces.” About the „Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH“
Liebherr develops and produces high-quality gear cutting machines, gear measuring machines, gear cutting tools and automation systems. The range includes gear hobbing, gear shaping, gear skiving, generating and profile grinding machines as well as chamfering and deburring machines. The measuring devices with software developed in-house stand for ergonomics, user-friendliness, precision, robustness, durability and service-friendliness. Liebherr is also one of the world‘s leading manufacturers of gear cutting tools and stock tools with long service life. The range of automation systems ranges from linear robots and robot applications to conveying and storage systems through to solutions for pallet handling systems.
About the Liebherr Group
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality and user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 140 companies across all continents. In 2021, it employed more than 49,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 11.6 billion euros. Liebherr was founded in Kirchdorf an der Iller in Southern Germany in 1949. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.
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