Switch Mobility breaks ground on new Spanish factory 23 March 2022

Switch Mobility Ltd, the bus and light commercial vehicle company formerly known as Optare, held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the upcoming creation of its new advanced manufacturing facility in Valladolid, central Spain.

With construction set to commence shortly and the first buses expected to be produced within 12 months, the 35-acre site in Valladolid – Switch’s first in continental Europe – will comprise two state of the art production lines and will be entirely carbon neutral from inception. With €100 million of investment planned for the site over the next decade, the facility will play a key role in rejuvenating the Soto de Medinilla area around Valladolid as well as creating an estimated 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.

Phase one of the new development will house production of Switch’s new 12m bus designed for the European market. Phases two and three will add battery assembly capabilities and production of Switch’s zero carbon LCV from 2024 onwards. The facility is predicted to create 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region.

Andy Palmer, Vice Chairman and CEO of Switch Mobility Ltd, commented: “The past year has been one of considerable progress for Switch. We have established a presence in the UK, India and now Continental Europe, have an order book of over 500 electric buses and have covered more than 50 million kilometres with our current electric products. Beginning the development of our site in Spain is a key milestone in our global growth strategy.”

Author
Transport Engineer

Related Companies
Optare plc

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