British multinational automotive firm Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has begun construction of a new £1bn manufacturing plant in Nitra, Slovakia.
The new plant, which will cover an area of 300,000m², is expected to be completed in late 2018.
It will employ about 2,800 people and the company said it would start recruitment in late 2017.
According to JLR, the plant will incorporate latest technologies in automobile manufacturing which include a 30% faster conveyance system, a highly automated pain job process, while minimising environmental impact.
JLR says that it has also designed connected manufacturing technologies to be incorporated in the future, which can enable smart, connected manufacturing technologies that support improved process efficiency, delivery and quality.
The facility will have water saving devices and heat recovery systems for sustainable and efficient operations.
The company noted that it will work with local communities surrounding the manufacturing unit. Over the next few years, it plans to work with local organisations to introduce new education programmes.
JLR CEO Ralf Speth said: “The start of construction in Slovakia today represents the beginning of a new phase in our plan to create a truly global business.
“The factory will strengthen our international manufacturing capabilities as well as complement our existing facilities in the UK, China, India and Brazil.”
