Our plant in Zrenjanin, Serbia brings local service to SEE manufacturers
• Interview • South-East European INDUSTRIAL Мarket - issue 3/2018 • 25.09.2018
Could you tell us what differentiates Essex from the other winding wire producers in Europe?
Essex Europe is the European division of Superior Essex, company based in Atlanta USA whose facilities are located in 9 countries including Canada, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Germany, Italy, UK and starting from November 2018 in Serbia as well. More and more customers have a global presence and Superior Essex is the only magnet wire producer able to supply them with a local presence and the same quality whatever the Essex location.
Furthermore, we have formed a specific Automotive business Unit to answer the growing need of magnet wire in the electrical vehicles and propose to our automotive customers a dedicated organization and new technical solutions. Finally, Superior Essex innovation center based, in Fort Wayne, USA, brings innovative solutions for all our customers around the globe.
Earlier this year the company started the construction of its first facility in the SEE region. What factors contributed to choosing Zrenjanin, Serbia as a location?
In order to follow its customers’ base developing production capacities in SEE and preparing the development of winding wire usage thanks to the vehicles electrification trend, Essex decided to expand its business. We have decided to invest in Serbia, taking into account its extraordinary geographic location and a broad base of qualified personnel. This location helps us to compliment the Essex Europe plants in Germany and Italy plus brings local service to nearby manufacturers of electric motors for all industries including automotive.
Essex Europe operates 4 other European plants. What will be the main focus of the production in the new Serbian facility and what technologies will be utilized?
The facility in Zrenjanin will occupy 15 000 sq. m and its production will be focused on the round wire enameled copper wires. Same as the other European facilities, the plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Modern gear and implementation of Industry 4.0 process will enable us to fulfill highest standards in term of quality. In addition, we remain committed to the sustainable development so the factory hall in Zrenjanin will be one of the most energy-efficient plants in Serbia thanks to the optimization of the production process in accordance with the advanced practices in this field.
Essex is globally known as an innovator. What is needed to achieve constant technological progress and place innovative products on the market?
One of the challenges we face daily is to develop new products that meet the needs of our clients in every aspect. That is why our technicians, engineers and line operators work with them very closely. The results are customized solutions, based on 85 years of expertise, knowledge, and modern technology. The new innovation center, based in Fort Wayne USA, is also a strong support for the local R&D team, based in Europe for example.
What are your observations on the automotive market in the SEE region and in particular – the electric car industry?
By 2040 more than 50% cars sold at global level will be electrical. SEE region is no exception to this rule. This region is known as strong automotive area. Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary stand out in particular, so our customers coming from these countries are already very pleased to know that we are opening factory in Serbia.