Today, ZF Chassis Modules Hungary inaugurated a new 16,600-square-meter manufacturing facility in Kecskemét’s Premium Industrial Park. Developed by Panattoni Hungary under a build-to-suit (BTS) agreement, this facility is a joint investment by KEPI, the Kecskemét Urban Development Fund, and the Kecskemét Business Development Fund, with financing of €14.6 million from Oberbank. The project was completed one month ahead of schedule. During construction, KEPI also initiated significant infrastructure and road improvements on-site, involving local businesses. The new factory meets strict sustainability criteria and is in the process of obtaining Breeam Excellent certification.
The new Kecskemét facility of ZF Chassis Modules Hungary employs advanced manufacturing technologies and meets key sustainability objectives. This fully automated plant will produce front and rear axle modules for electric vehicles, achieving zero local CO2 emissions and using electric heat pumps for heating.
The investment creates over 450 new jobs in Kecskemét, with ZF Chassis Modules Hungary planning further developments to enhance production capacity on-site. This investment was made in close collaboration with the local municipality to support Mercedes' expansion strategy.
“The early completion of the Kecskemét facility highlights our effective collaboration with Panattoni, investors, and the local community. We extend our thanks to the Kecskemét municipality and its mayor for their support.,” stated Csaba Varjassy, Factory Director of ZF Chassis Modules Hungary Ltd.
“This is a significant moment for us, as we entered the Hungarian market during a challenging time three years ago. Today, we see that those difficulties have created new opportunities. Through hard work, strong partnerships, and dedicated professionals, we have generated substantial value. The inauguration of ZF Chassis Modules Hungary’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility reflects this joint effort. We thank ZF Chassis Modules Hungary, KEPI, the Urban Fund Manager Company, and all our partners for their trust, as well as the city of Kecskemét for its support. We are pleased to have created new jobs and contributed to the city’s development,” said László Kemenes, Managing Director of Panattoni Hungary.
He added that, in addition to the Kecskemét project, Panattoni Hungary is developing another manufacturing unit for ZF Chassis Modules Hungary in Debrecen under a BTS structure, set to be completed by the end of 2024.
Klaudia Szemereyné Pataki, Mayor of Kecskemét, emphasized, “I am pleased that ZF Chassis Modules Hungary Ltd.’s manufacturing facility has been established in Kecskemét’s Premium Industrial Park. This investment marks a milestone in our city’s economic and industrial development: it not only creates jobs but also significantly impacts innovation, further enhancing Kecskemét’s appeal to international industrial investors. The city leadership is committed to supporting the local economy by fostering conditions that encourage investments.”
Tamás Madlena, CEO of KEPI, stated, “We are pleased to call our first investment a model project, as it allows us to serve a premium Mercedes supplier through a collaboration that meets business expectations and aligns with the municipality's long-term strategy and the Urban Fund Manager Company.”
He added that KEPI successfully initiated and completed a project valued at approximately HUF 2 billion to provide complete utility supply—road, water, sewage, and gas—to the industrial park area, alongside the development of the ZF Chassis Modules Hungary manufacturing hall. “It was essential for us to plan and execute utility developments with local businesses in mind,” stated Madlena.
The development of Kecskemét’s Premium Industrial Park is significantly supported by state involvement, with MFB Invest acting as the largest investor in the overall industrial development of the area.
For further information:
Contact: Eszter Lakatos
PR-ego Communications
Email: lakatos.eszter@publicrelations.hu
Phone: +36 (30) 159-5949
