MDC Power GmbH – Engines from Thuringia

The factory was founded as a 50:50 joint venture of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Daimler AG. Both companies had given their name to MDC Power GmbH. Daimler AG is sole owner since July 2006.

The location decision was taken in December 2001. January 2002 saw the commencement of construction work. Within a very short period of time, the topping-out ceremony was held in August 2002. The factory, which has a total floor space of around 38,000 m², was completed by the end of 2003. The new engine plant is Daimler AG’s first entirely digitally-planned construction and factory project. It was based on a standardized factory concept with a modular design.

Crucial to Kölleda as the choice of location were macroeconomic aspects, the employment market situation, the infrastructure of the location, as well as the opportunities for expanding the site – which currently covers 40 ha.

Flexible working time and shift models are agreed between employers and employees and form a basis for efficient production in terms of international competition. Since August 2003, MDC Power GmbH has been training in technical jobs, thereby providing a clear indication of the secure future of the company even before the official start of production in December 2003.

Specifically, MDC Power GmbH concentrates on the core functions of Production and Quality. Production-supporting functions such as maintenance, tool management and logistics are largely outsourced to external service providers.

All operations at MDC Power GmbH in Kölleda are based on state-of-the-art economic and ecological procedures. Defined standards of the production system ensure the best possible reliability of a process in the course of manufacture. Active environmental protection is also a priority in Kölleda. Pollutants and energy losses are largely avoided from the outset, or at least reduced to a minimum. For example, the plant’s heat supply is ensured through a biomass heating system and a heat recovery systems. The entire factory has also passed the certification procedure in accordance with the German Federal Emission Protection Act (BImSchG).
Ergonomically designed workplaces, accident protection and health-promoting measures are a matter of course.

(Status:March 2009)