Gestamp to install 14 laser cutting cells in Spain

Gestamp (Madrid, Spain)'s new specialized laser cutting plant worth €14.3 million ($15.7 million) will be set up in Álava and located at the Arasur industrial complex in Ribavellosa. The new installation will be located on a 8500m industrial site, and will be equipped with 14 laser cutting cells and robotized welding cells.

The plant will be the first of its kind in Euskadi, as well as one of the largest in Europe. The machinery will be use to cut parts for Volkswagen, Seat, and Opel. Gestamp will commence installing the machinery in November 2015 so that manufacturing can commence in 2017. So, the work to adapt the industrial facilities, which will be leased, will now begin and continue until the end of the year, and the laser cells will be installed progressively. The plan will also involve hiring around 100 workers before 2017.

The project, with the participation of the Basque Government, is part of the investments in Euskadi announced by Gestamp in March 2015. The company signed a protocol agreement with the government to facilitate the establishment in Euskadi of the Gestamp Technology Institute (GTI), the Group's centre of reference in terms of training in new technologies.

At present, Gestamp has five plants in Euskadi and more than 1600 employees in the Basque Country. Euskadi is the headquarters of the Northern Europe Division that oversees 21 plants on the continent, as well as the global decision-making center for the Group's chassis, stamping, and machinery activity. In addition, Gestamp also carries out in Euskadi intensive innovation work, with an R&D center located in Amorebieta.

For more information, please visit www.gestamp.com.