Clarios has celebrated a production milestone after the 100-millionth AGM battery rolled off the global manufacturer’s line in Zwickau, Germany.
The milestone, announced on June 24, came more than 120 years after Zwickau started operations as a regional battery manufacturing operation in the east of the country.
A highlight was the symbolic handover of the 100-millionth battery, signed by Michael Kretschmer, premier of the state of Saxony and Werner Benade, EMEA president of Clarios.
AGM production started in Zwickau in 2002 and Clarios has said previously that the site is its largest production plant for AGM batteries worldwide.
Today, Zwickau is a key enabler of modern mobility and the milestone marks a remarkable production achievement, Clarios said.
Zwickau has an important role within the production network in Central Europe and, with around 550 employees, is a key industrial employer in the region.
Plant manager Kai Mille said: “100 million AGM batteries from Zwickau is much more than a number; it’s a testament to a success story.”
Looking ahead, Clarios said Zwickau is benefiting strongly from recent group-wide investment moves, including the acquisition of three lead battery recycling plants in Europe from Ecobat.
Recycled lead from the nearby former Ecobat site in Freiberg will be used directly in battery production in Zwickau, which the battery maker said strengthens the firm’s circular economy credentials.
Batteries International reported in 2024 that Clarios was investing around €200 million ($223 million) in its European plants up to 2026 to expand production capacity for AGM vehicle batteries.
In Zwickau, Clarios said annual capacity had already increased significantly following earlier investment of “several million” euros.
Meanwhile, the company said last May it was close to a decision about where to launch a critical minerals recycling facility in the US, as the firm ramps up investment in the battery manufacturing supply chain.
Indiana, South Carolina and Texas have already been named as the first of several possible contenders for the new recycling centres — and Clarios said on May 8 it expects to have invested more than half-a-billion dollars in its US plants by the end of September.
