[Report] German Benz Battery Factory "Parts Records Stored for Up to 30 Years"

Record All Histories Even for Small Parts
Internal Combustion Engine Production Plant Transitions to Electric Vehicles
Re-educating and Accommodating Over 300 Existing Workers

On the 22nd of last month (local time), a work robot was performing the battery system production process at Mercedes-Benz's battery production plant in Hedelfingen, Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Mercedes-Benz)

"Even the smallest parts are all recorded and stored for up to 30 years, allowing for complete traceability."

On the 22nd (local time), Frank Proksch, the team leader, emphasized this to the Korean press visiting the Mercedes-Benz battery production plant in Hedelfingen, Stuttgart, Germany. All operations were carried out in a harmonious manner combining highly skilled workers and technology. Like Mercedes-Benz’s proud smart factory 'Factory 56,' unmanned guided vehicles (AGVs) continuously transported parts, while various sensors and robotic arms busily worked. Employees meticulously reviewed the machines' operations at each stage.

Covering an area of 16,500㎡, this plant produces battery systems installed in 10 models of Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles EQS and EQE. Battery cells and 'battery modules'?which are made by stacking multiple layers of cells?are supplied by specialized battery manufacturers, and the plant assembles these into finished battery packs installed in vehicles.

Robots are actively utilized from the initial assembly stage. First, they measure voltage, separation processes, temperature, and assess the height of the cell blocks. To dissipate heat, two robots apply thermal paste, and foreign substances are vacuumed away. Afterwards, cameras check whether the bottom of the battery system is properly covered.

On the 22nd of last month (local time), inside the battery production plant of Mercedes-Benz in Hedelfingen, Stuttgart, Germany (Photo by Mercedes-Benz)

In the EE compartment, which integrates 12 cell modules and power electronics devices, dozens of cameras closely monitor the work stages. Notably, all processes are recorded and stored for 30 years. Proksch explained, "Each part has an identification number, and the work is recorded by cameras. Even the angle and torque of tightening 150 screws are documented, so it is possible to track who worked on which part, how, and when."

This means that all information about the Mercedes-Benz model involved in the recent fire incident at an apartment near Cheongna, Incheon, South Korea, is also preserved. Proksch stated, "We have provided all component information of the model equipped with Parasis batteries for investigation."

Final testing is continuously conducted at eight test benches. Helium is filled into the battery to check for leaks at 350 points. Proksch introduced, "Other companies usually use compressed air, but we use more sensitive helium for inspection. After checking for leaks, machines inspect over 3,000 items on the battery exterior, including small screws and seals, within 12 to 15 minutes."

Originally, this was a traditional factory producing powertrain components such as transmissions, engines, and axles. The transmission production line and battery production have been flexibly integrated with various latest equipment to transform it into a new production base. Proksch emphasized, "More than 300 people who worked at the internal combustion engine factory were retrained and transitioned to work here. Since opening in 2021, we have created an environment with high safety standards and skill levels, to the extent that not even a single injury has occurred."

On the 22nd of last month (local time), employees are inspecting the battery system production process at Mercedes-Benz's battery production plant in Hedelfingen, Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Mercedes-Benz)