Research, development and production all in one place.
Torqeedo GmbH, the global market leader for marine electric drives, celebrated the grand opening of a brand-new 8,300m2 building near Munich in Germany, where all company activities, including research, development, and production, will now take place. The company, its business partners, and members of the press gathered for remarks from Fabian Bez, Torqeedo’s chief executive officer, and Dr Florian Herrmann MdL, Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery and State Minister for Federal Affairs and Media.
“Torqeedo is a global champion for cleantech and electric mobility on water and enriches the location with its new company headquarters. It is great that another milestone in Torqeedo’s impressive company history is being written, combined with a clear commitment to the region and its people. Climate protection and zero-emission mobility are key issues in Bavaria on the way to climate neutrality, in which we are investing over 22 billion euros by 2040 with a climate protection offensive. We are proud that companies like Torqeedo are helping to open up new dimensions in sustainable mobility with innovation and a pioneering spirit,” Dr Herrmann said during his welcoming address.
Bez said: “Whether by road, rail, air or water, sustainable forms of propulsion are needed to achieve the climate targets. In the transport sector, in particular, there is still a lot to be done. As Torqeedo, we recognised this trend early on and developed battery-electric drives for watercraft. Today, we are the global technology leader for zero-emission mobility on the water. We will soon produce our two hundred thousandth electric motor and have already filed more than 250 patents. Electric mobility on water, “Made in Germany” – this is what Torqeedo will continue to stand for in the future.”
“Over the past year, Torqeedo has strengthened its award-winning product lineup, production capabilities and internal processes and is fully prepared to continue to lead the transformation of the marine industry. The new facility allowed us to implement lean manufacturing strategies which reduce waste, improve product quality, and ready the company for sustained, rapid growth. Torqeedo’s production lines were formerly split between three remote facilities, but with the new production hall, all lines are now run side-by-side,” said Bez.
The key concept of lean manufacturing is waste reduction, which increases efficiency and improves quality. Lean management concepts have also been implemented throughout the company, starting with product design and continuing through the manufacturing, distribution and after-sales support stages.
Torqeedo’s key customers, strategic partners, boatbuilders, dealers and distributors visited the new headquarters for a series of strategy and technology workshops in the days preceding the event. The topics included product innovations such as Deep Blue’s new advanced hydrogeneration algorithm, which improves energy generation for a sustainable sailing experience, and a new interface for smart DC generator management and ultimate luxury and convenience on board.
Over the past few years, Travel and Ultralight models have become quieter and more responsive and are available with an extended-capacity battery and an easy way to charge from onboard solar. The Cruise motor lineup was recently relaunched with 50% more power and increased durability. A preview of the 2023 product catalogue is now available for download.
Torqeedo has become the preferred electrification partner for the world’s biggest and most reputable boatbuilders and technology partners because of its holistic system architecture for e-mobility on the water. The company integrates mechanical components from tech leaders in the marine industry, such as ZF for the development of 50- and 100-kW Deep Blue saildrives and Poseidon for steerable azimuth thrusters for water taxis and commercial ferry operations, into its proven reliable Deep Blue infrastructure.
Torqeedo is also proud to be a trusted supplier for a wide variety of commercial and recreational OEMs and was recently named the electrification partner for Groupe Beneteau’s sailing, real estate on the water, and mindful cruising business areas.
Bez said: “Over the past 17 years, Torqeedo has developed the most comprehensive product lineup for electrification in the marine industry. Within our global network, we have developed the technology, institutional knowledge, quantitative experience and partnerships that will allow us to define and create the emission-free future of the marine industry. We will stay ahead and propel beyond.”
