Summary
- Tesla’s head of manufacturing at the Grünheide plant is not concerned about Elon Musk’s recent political alignment with Donald Trump
- The company is focused on building cars and production, not politics or Musk’s political stance
- The factory has increased security measures in response to arson attacks and vandalism
- Sales decline in February in Germany is attributed to shifting production to the new Model Y
- The factory is prepared for potential tariffs from the Trump administration with increased localization of suppliers and a high level of vertical integration
Article
Tesla’s Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany has recently celebrated its third anniversary with Senior Director Andre Thierig addressing various topics in an interview with German news outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine. Thierig emphasizes that Tesla remains focused on producing high-quality vehicles and is not concerned about Elon Musk’s alignment with Donald Trump or any political controversies. The company’s main priority is production and not politics, with Thierig stating that they can separate the two effectively.
Thierig also addressed the issue of security following arson attacks by environmental activists last March, stating that the factory has improved its information-sharing network to respond quickly to such incidents. Employees onsite are prepared to take action if necessary. In terms of sales, Thierig attributed the decline in February sales in Germany to the transition to producing the new Model Y, which required a temporary shutdown of production. He noted that the factory’s focus is on production, while sales figures are handled by the sales division.
Regarding potential tariffs from the Trump administration, Thierig mentioned that the factory has increased localization of suppliers, with 92 percent of components for the Model Y now sourced from Europe. This localization strategy has made the factory more resilient to disruptions in world trade, including supply chain issues during the pandemic and other crises. Thierig also discussed Giga Berlin’s expansion plans, criticism from union IG Metall, expectations from the incoming federal government, and the need for reduced bureaucracy in the country.
Thierig’s background includes a 19-year tenure at Ford’s German operations, primarily in paint engineering, before joining Tesla in 2020. He has risen through the ranks at Giga Berlin, starting as a paint manager and eventually becoming Senior Director for the factory. The interview highlighted the factory’s commitment to production, independence from political issues, and efforts to enhance security and resilience in the face of potential disruptions.
In conclusion, Tesla’s Gigafactory in Germany is focused on production and quality, with Thierig emphasizing the separation of politics from the company’s goals. Despite challenges such as security threats and sales fluctuations, the factory remains dedicated to increasing production capacity and meeting demand. The localization of suppliers and high vertical integration have made the factory more resilient to external disruptions. Thierig’s experience and leadership at Giga Berlin signal a commitment to efficient operations and continuous growth in the electric vehicle market.
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