The battery super factory that CATL and Stellantis will jointly operate in Figueres (Zaragoza), Spain, is one of the most important industrial projects in Spain in recent times.
The plant will have an annual production capacity of 50 GWh and will focus on the production of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries. This type of battery is becoming increasingly popular because of its low price, long life and high safety. Stellantis' Citroen ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda and Opel Frontera Electric have already adopted this battery, and the next generation of Opel Corsa Electric and Peugeot E-208 (which will still be produced in the Figueres plant) are expected to use this technology.
The plant is expected to be fully operational by early 2028, with an annual output of approximately 1 million battery packs. According to a previous announcement by Stellantis, the project will create 3,000 direct jobs. However, reports indicate that CATL will not hire a large number of local workers during the construction and initial operation of the factory. According to several Spanish media reports, CATL plans to introduce 1,847 employees from China, including engineers, technicians and operators.
Peugeot E-208 is one of the models produced by Stellantis in Figueres. By 2028, CATL and Stellantis' super factory will have the capacity to produce 1 million battery packs per year.
Not only will the equipment and work systems be introduced directly from China, but even the employees of the subcontracting companies will be pre-selected in China. It is said that this decision was made because the project requires a highly skilled and highly professional team. Stellantis said that the proportion of local employees will gradually increase over time and with gradual training.
To accommodate this group of Chinese employees, the mayor of Figueres has confirmed that movable and prefabricated houses will be used. CATL's Chinese employees will live in five municipalities: Pedrola, Grisén, Bárboles, Alagón and Figueres. Relevant construction will start this month.