Plastic Omnium has ploughed EUR20m (US$24m) to expand its ∑-Sigmatech research and development centre in Lyon.
“The challenges of the vehicle of the future are multiple and call for new skills: mechatronics, micromechanics, virtual reality and collaborative robot resources,” said a Plastic Omnium statement.
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“The investment is part of the Group’s strategy to build its innovation capacity and it will have reached another technology milestone in its contribution to the automotive revolution currently underway.
“In addition to technical equipments, renewed spaces and offices will be built and dedicated to collaborative work and will further develop teamwork between employees, the number of which will be increased from 550 today to 700 in 2020.”
The first steps of the expansion project will add 4,000 m² in the industrial park.
“It will integrate new technological tools and strengthen the group’s ability to meet the new challenges of the connected, autonomous and cleaner vehicle of tomorrow,” added the supplier.
“Finally, a ‘life centre’ building will be added, which will include reception, restaurant and meeting areas as well as sports facilities.”
The total area of the site will increase to 23,000 m2.
