Volvo CE opens new facilities for electric wheel loader production
According to Volvo CE, the state-of-the-art building in Arvika is the latest development for the site, and it specialises in the production of medium and large wheel loaders. With an area of approximately 1,500 square metres, the site can free up space in its existing factory for the production of electric wheel loaders. The facility, known as the ‘After Flow Facility’, is where wheel loaders are delivered for the final stage of the production process and where visitors can test drive the latest machines fresh off the assembly line. Volvo CE has invested a total of 65 million Swedish kronor (approx. 5.7 million euros) in the new building. The building was completed in less than twelve months following the announcement last year.
The facility was inaugurated in the presence of Swedish Prince Carl Philip. The member of the Swedish royal family not only toured the new facilities and met the employees, but also tested the Volvo L110 (see photo above), one of the wheel loaders produced at the plant. However, this model is not an electric wheel loader, but a diesel-powered vehicle. This is likely because only combustion engine models have been produced in Arvika to date and only the new facilities will enable the production of electric wheel loaders. However, Volvo CE announced the L90 Electric and L120 Electric wheel loaders in the summer, which are then likely to be built in Arvika.
Melker Jernberg, Head of Volvo CE, said: “This new facility is an inspiration for a future built on sustainable solutions. We are proud to be at the forefront of industry change with large-scale investments, not just here in Arvika but around the globe, that support a transformation towards electrification. Together, we are moving closer towards fossil-free machines.”
Volvo CE has set itself the goal of being completely fossil fuel-free by 2040. The company wants to achieve a 35 per cent share of electric machines by 2030. The new plant in Arvika will contribute to this goal.
Mikael Liljestrand, General Manager at Arvika, said: “Action on climate change is nothing new to us here in Arvika, but it is incredibly exciting to see our vision come to life with these new facilities. We now have the framework in place to drive electrification and expand our growing global portfolio of electric wheel loaders. This will have a positive impact on our industry and society as a whole, but it is also a personal journey for each of us here in Arvika who are playing a significant role in building a more sustainable future.”
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