Shape Corp. starts production in industrial zone Panattoni Park Pilsen West II. The leading manufacturer of components for the automotive industry employs up to 700 people

Shape Corp. launched its European subsidiary, Shape Corp. Czech Republic, s.r.o., in the Pilsen region in early 2011. Specializing in the advanced development and manufacturing of automotive lightweighting, crash management, and body structure systems, the subsidiary has enjoyed stable growth in both its customer base and product range. This new facility consolidates operations from four different sites under one roof, streamlining manufacturing workflows and internal logistics, while creating additional space for future expansion. With its unique process of advanced roll-forming of ultra-high-strength steel profiles, secondary operations, and welding of final assemblies, the plant serves customers all around Europe. Equipped with the latest technologies and industry-leading machinery, the facility amplifies Shape Corp.'s dedication to delivering multi-material solutions and high-quality products.

The new complex also features a host of modern amenities, including an in-house canteen, a fitness center, an outdoor relaxation zone, and an advanced TCL air filtration system for indoor air quality.

“We want to be a role model as a global company where sustainability is at the heart of our project, enabling us to reduce our footprint. We are embracing electrification for a cleaner tomorrow, bringing our expertise to automotive evolution. The plant will set a benchmark in automation, encompassing aspects such as material flow optimization and the utilization of autonomous guided vehicles to cutting-edge welding technology. These advancements will enhance the safety and efficiency of our work. The BREEAM New Construction certification is key in achieving our overall sustainable vision to be carbon neutral by 2035,” says Stephanie Ducroux-Bernache, Managing Director of Shape Europe.

The modern facility meets all the strict requirements of the BREEAM New Construction environmental certification, and it aspires to the highest rating – Outstanding. Photovoltaic panels are installed on the building, it also uses flushing with rainwater. In the surroundings there are facilities for going cycling, covered bicycle parking or an insect hotel.

“The Pilsen region is an ideal place for industrial production and logistics thanks to its rich industrial tradition, excellent transport infrastructure, the presence of university and geographical proximity to Germany. The potential of the location is still great, which can be proved by the presence of huge manufacturing companies, such as Shape Corp. I’m glad we can build on the region manufacturing facilities with added value and thus help to fulfill the Pilsen Region Strategy 2022+,” says Klára Sobotková, Regional Development Director, Panattoni.

The original brownfield on which Panattoni Pilsen West II stands, has a rich industrial history. The Krimich I. coalmine was located near the site. It was mined between 1867 and 1935, when the mining operation was transferred to the newly open Krimich II. in Tlučná. The old mine was then used for pumping water and to supply water for the cities Nýřany and the hamlet Pankrác. The original mine belonged to the miner JUDr. Pankrác, from whom it was later transferred by Škoda factory in Pilsen. In the 1920’, the Škoda factory in Pilsen built a thermal powerplant, which supplied the Škoda factory in city Nýřany, as well as the munitions factory and the Ziegler mine. The buildings of the former shaft and power station were gradually converted from 1971 into the Likona Nýřany food processing plant, which operated until 1990’s.

"I am very happy that the area of the former brownfield site is coming back to life with industrial production, because this use of the site makes the most sense. I look forward to further cooperation with Shape Corp., which has a very good reputation in the Pilsen region," says Zdeněk Zeman, Deputy Mayor of Nýřany. "Shape Corp. is a global company, which we welcome in the Pilsen Region rather than traditional assembly plants. Shape's operations provide employment for a wide range of professions, including highly skilled ones. This is truly a value-added industry," adds Pavel Karpíšek, Senator and First Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce in the Pilsen Region. 

Nýřany is located right at the exit 93 of the D5 highway. It offers an excellent connection between Germany and the Czech Republic via the D5 highway and the German A6/A93/A9 highway network to Nuremberg, Regensburg and Munich. The municipality is also connected to the railway network and a bus stop is located at the premises.