Bitzer plant in Schkeuditz, Germany
Bird’s-eye view of the Schkeuditz, Germany, location of Bitzer Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH. (Photo courtesy of Bitzer US Inc.)
The compressor manufacturer Bitzer has invested 30 million Euros (about $39.3 million) for construction of new buildings to house production, a warehouse, and dispatching in Schkeuditz, Germany. The improvements will also include more space for training, the company said in a press announcement.

The new buildings are in close proximity to the main factory. A purchase agreement for the 16,000-square-meter (172,000-square-feet) parcel of land for the expansion was signed in February 2013, with construction expected to be completed by 2016.

The new training workshop is targeted for the top floors. According to the company, the existing capacities can no longer accommodate demand. In the future, three instructors will be able to train up to 32 apprentices. Alongside construction of the new buildings, the main factory in Schkeuditz is being renovated to expand production as well as office and canteen space.

“This investment will allow us to create a basis on which to achieve further growth in Schkeuditz. This is also an important sign for our employees,” explained Frank Fuhlbrück, factory manager. He noted that in 1991, Bitzer took over production of refrigeration compressors from Maschinen- und Apparatebau (MAB) Schkeuditz with its then 180 employees. The site now employs 700 people.

The company maintains a United States presence as Bitzer US, based in Flowery Branch, Ga.

Publication date: 5/20/2013

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