The new 16,600 sqm manufacturing hall for the internationally-owned ZF Chassis Modules Hungary was handed over in Kecskemét Premium Industrial Park. The modern facility, developed by Panattoni Hungary as part of a build-to-suit (BTS) agreement with ZF Chassis Modules Hungary, was realized through a joint investment by KEPI, the Kecskemét City Development Fund, and the Kecskemét Enterprise Development Fund, both managed by Városi Alapkezelő Zrt., with €14.6 million in financing from Oberbank. The facility was completed one month ahead of schedule, and alongside the hall’s construction, KEPI also implemented significant utility and road developments at the site with the involvement of local companies. The manufacturing hall, which complies with strict sustainability standards, is in the process of obtaining a BREEAM Excellent certification.
The new ZF Chassis Modules Hungary plant in Kecskemét not only uses cutting-edge production technologies but also meets significant sustainability goals. The plant manufactures front and rear axle modules for electric vehicles in a fully automated process, with no local CO2 emissions during production. The facility is heated with electric heat pumps. The new plant creates more than 450 new jobs in Kecskemét, and ZF Chassis Modules Hungary plans further expansions to increase production capacity. The investment was made in close cooperation with the local government to support Mercedes’ expansion strategy.
“The handover of the Kecskemét plant ahead of schedule is a testament to the highly efficient cooperation we have developed with Panattoni, our investment partners, and the local community. Special thanks go to the Kecskemét city government and its mayor for their support,” said Csaba Varjassy, Factory Director of ZF Chassis Modules Hungary Kft.
“This is a special moment for us, as we entered the Hungarian market three years ago during a difficult time. Today, we see that the challenges have brought new opportunities, and through dedicated work, excellent partners, and skilled professionals, we have realized an investment that creates value in every respect. The handover of ZF Chassis Modules Hungary’s state-of-the-art manufacturing hall is a recognition of this joint effort. We thank ZF Chassis Modules Hungary, KEPI, Városi Alapkezelő, and all our partners, as well as the city of Kecskemét for their support. It is a pleasure to see that we have created new jobs, contributing to the city’s growth,” said László Kemenes, Managing Director of Panattoni Hungary.
He added that Panattoni Hungary is also developing another production facility for ZF Chassis Modules Hungary in Debrecen under a BTS arrangement, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Kecskemét’s mayor, Klaudia Szemereyné Pataki, pointed out: “I am very pleased that ZF Chassis Modules Hungary Kft.’s manufacturing plant has been built in Kecskemét Premium Industrial Park. This new investment is a significant milestone in the city’s economic and industrial development: it not only creates jobs but will also have a substantial impact on local innovation, further enhancing Kecskemét’s attractiveness to international industrial investors. The city administration is strongly committed to supporting the growth of the local economy by continuously providing conditions that facilitate investments.”
Tamás Madlena, CEO of KEPI, stated: “It is gratifying that our first investment can immediately be called a flagship project, as we can serve a premium Mercedes supplier through a multifaceted cooperation where business expectations are fully aligned with the long-term strategy of the local government and Városi Alapkezelő.”
He added that KEPI successfully launched and completed a nearly 2 billion forint project for utilities – roads, water, sewage, and gas – covering almost the entire industrial park area, in parallel with the development of ZF Chassis Modules Hungary’s manufacturing hall. “It was of utmost importance to us that the planning and execution of the utility developments also consider the local economic interests, and we carried out the work with the involvement of local companies,” said Tamás Madlena.
The development of Kecskemét Premium Industrial Park is strongly supported by the state, as MFB Invest is contributing as the largest investor to the industrial development of the entire area.
