New high-tech hall to produce chassis for BMW

The city's new high-tech production hall will supply chassis to BMW's Debrecen plant. The 15,300 square metre plant is a joint development between Panattoni Hungary and OTP Ingatlanbefektetési Alap. The facility, which was developed in a build-to-suit construction for the ZF Chassis Modules, is the second of its kind in Hungary, following ZF's recently inaugurated unit in Kecskemét. With an investment of nearly HUF 7.5 billion and in close cooperation with the local municipality, the environmentally friendly plant, which incorporates 21st century solutions, will create 220 new jobs in the North-West Economic Belt. The construction was carried out by DVM Greenfield.

A complex industrial ecosystem has been created

A domestic subsidiary of the world's leading industrial logistics property developer, Panattoni Hungary has ensured that the development has been designed to protect natural habitats, meet sustainability criteria and meet BMW's stringent manufacturing requirements. As a result, a complex industrial ecosystem has been created on the site, which was vacant a few years ago - with a developed road network, utilities and associated industrial facilities. The project was completed on time, allowing the client to start production on schedule.

"Following the Kecskemét project, we are proud to report from Debrecen that we have successfully implemented a complex, high-tech industrial real estate development project in its category. The project progressed at the planned tight pace and was completed on time, reflecting the core values of Panattoni: agility, efficiency and reliability in industrial real estate development" - said László Kemenes, Managing Director of Panattoni Hungary.

35 chassis roll out of the factory every hour

The new plant, which will produce front and rear axles, is a key player in the supply chain of BMW's Debrecen plant. "The plant assembles front and rear axles in a just-in-sequence schedule, in the exact order and with the technical content that fits the car production schedule. Once the full ramp-up is complete, 35 cars per hour will have their chassis assembled and delivered to BMW. On highly automated production lines, 22 to 24 operations are carried out to produce the front and rear axles separately. To ensure the continuous operation of the production, the logistics department ensures the replenishment, stocking and servicing of nearly 500 different parts from more than 60 suppliers, according to BMW's forecasts"- pointed out Csaba Varjassy, ZF Chassis Modules Hungary factory manager.

The hall is powered by an electric heat pump

All the parameters of the CO₂ emission-free installation, powered by electric heat pumps, were adapted to the specific needs of the client. According to Csaba Varjassy, series production is expected to start in August 2025.

The project was financed by the owner OTP Ingatlanbefektetési Alap. The cooperation between Panattoni and OTP Real Estate Fund already spans several landmark domestic developments, such as the new domestic logistics base of Rossmann. "It is of paramount importance for us to participate in investments that have long-term sustainable value. ESG considerations have also been emphasized in the Debrecen plant: the building aims to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification, and special lighting and wildlife protection solutions have been applied to protect the environment"said Gábor Jandácsik, Managing Director of OTP Ingatlanbefektetési Alap.

Separate gateway for small farm animals

The plant has 43.85 percent green space, and its lighting system is designed so that light does not spread beyond the site boundary. Thanks to the expertise of the contractor DVM Greenfield, the project was not only completed to a high technical standard, but also met specific sustainability requirements. An example of this is the special gateway system at the fence, which allows for the unhindered movement of small animals crossing the fields.

The development is another significant step in the economic growth of Debrecen and its region. Such industrial investments are particularly important for the Eastern Hungary region, as they contribute to strengthening the local economy, reducing emigration and increasing the region's competitiveness.