BITC is a branch office of the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS). That links it to one of Germany’s largest battery research institutions and gives it access to close industry ties. BITC will develop solutions for the digitally supported and connected production and quality assurance of battery cells and modules in order to drive the transformation of the automotive and energy industries.
“This production research at the Erfurter Kreuz business park plays a pivotal role in adding new industrial capacity in Thuringia and eastern Germany more generally,” says Wolfgang Tiefensee, Economics Minister of Thuringia. He describes the research center as a key element of the strategy to transform Thuringia into a leading battery hub in the years ahead. The state has provided EUR 13.5 million in funding to support BITC’s construction.
The State Development Corporation of Thuringia (LEG) is providing a building complex containing around 5,000 m² of office and equipment space at Erfurter Kreuz. “The establishment of BITC is a vital step in our forward-looking approach of integrating production and research at the site,” explains Andreas Krey, Chairman of LEG. “This strategic focus, along with the state government’s commitment to it, was one of the reasons why CATL decided to invest here.” (hw)
