Vietnamese start-up VinFast is currently building its first car factory in Hai Phong (Vietnam). Production is slated to commence there in mid-2019. German plant-engineering specialist Eisenmann is supplying multiple conveyor systems for the final assembly line as part of a contract worth a high eight-figure sum.
A new brand is being established in Vietnam, founded with the aim of becoming Southeast Asia's leading car manufacturer. The startup, called VinFast, has plans to launch two models on the global market as early as 2019: a notchback sedan and an SUV. To this end, a new factory is being constructed on a greenfield site in Hai Phong. The final assembly line will employ conveyor systems from Eisenmann. "We are proud to be involved in this prestigious project and to be present at the moment a new auto marque is born," states Thomas Berger, Vice President, Sales at Eisenmann's Automotive Systems business unit. "We were able to demonstrate our suitability as a strong, experienced partner, underlined by our comprehensive plant-engineering expertise. Our skillset, which encompasses the entire car body process, and our innovative, future-proof solutions, persuaded Vinfast to bring us on board for this project, with its ambitious timeline," he adds.
Eisenmann is providing a comprehensive package of conveyor systems. This includes skid equipment for the sequencing buffer, a skillet line for installation of interior components, an electrified monorail for chassis and pre-assembly of doors, slat conveyors, automated guided vehicles for pre-assembly and logistics, and diverse testing and inspection systems. Installation work will begin in August of this year, and production is slated to commence twelve months later. The facility is designed for a throughput of 38 vehicles per hour.
VinFast began building the factory in September 2017 at a 335-hectare site on Cat Hai Island (Hai Phong). According to VinFast, its first two models (Sedan and SUV), equipped with conventional combustion engines, will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018. Electric car and small car are also under development. VinFast belongs to VinGroup, one of Vietnam's largest conglomerates.