Innovative Production Facilities Conserves Resources and Cuts Emissions to a
Minimum
ATLANTA, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche AG has announced it is expanding its
innovative automobile production at the main factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen
to include one of the most modern and environmentally-friendly paint shops in
the world that will significantly reduce overall emissions of this notoriously
problematic industrial process and still result in a more superior paint
finish on the cars going through it.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091103/CL03618)
The factory at Zuffenhausen is where Porsche builds all its 911 and Boxsters
sports cars.
The outer skeleton structure of the new paint shop has already taken shape,
with the steel supports set to be completed in early 2010, and the entire
facility is scheduled to be operational by 2011.
The paint shop will be run on two-shift-operation with a daily capacity of up
to 170 911 and Boxster models at the Zuffenhausen facility. The latest
environmentally sensitive technologies are being used during the new
construction process as well as for the painting operation. For example, the
painting process will feature complete dust protection with 100 percent
encapsulation. This method not only enhances the already high quality of the
vehicle paint coat, but also reduces the required amount of conditioned hall
air required.
A unique electrostatic precipitator for paint dust will further cut the
emission of solvents and particles to a minimum. The painting process is able
to coat the cars without the mandatory 195-foot-high exhaust smokestack
usually required to dissipate paint dust exhaust. This is attributed to the
increased amount of circulated air and the exceptionally effective exhaust air
purifier that only requires a small smokestack, which extends 33 feet above
the roof.
Another environmentally-friendly innovation for the shop is a highly efficient
energy management system.
"With the new paint shop, Porsche is ensuring that it will deliver surpassing
quality in Zuffenhausen today and tomorrow - while also conserving resources
in an exceptionally ecological and economical manner," explains Wolfgang
Leimgruber, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics,
Porsche AG.
Porsche is relying on regional specialists for these technical innovations.
The Stuttgart-based Maschinen- und Anlagenbaukonzern Durr AG, as the general
contractor, is equipping the painting lines with the latest application
technology, driers for hardening the paint as well as control and conveyor
technology.
"Porsche will have one of the most modern paint shops in the world that will
initiate new potential for quality and productivity, thereby setting new
standards," explains Ralf Dieter, Chairman of the Executive Board at Durr AG.
The pretreatment system and cathodic paint dipping system with novel conveyor
technology and the electrostatic separator for paint particles will be
supplied by the Boblingen system provider, Eisenmann, a sub-supplier of Durr
AG.
With a comprehensive wastewater treatment facility, this
environmentally-friendly technology enables effluent levels that are many
times less than legal limits.
"Porsche is the first automobile manufacturer in the world to use this
technology," explains Dr. Matthias von Krauland, spokesperson for the
Executive Board of Eisenmann AG.
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About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the
exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly
owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs
approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service,
marketing and training for its 201 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide
Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 61-year history,
Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle
performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the
automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding
to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of
Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is
recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA,
which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman
mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicle and the
four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismo, strives to maintain a standard of
excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.
SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Steve Janisse, Manager, Automotive Media Relations, +1-770-290-3419,
steve.janisse@porsche.us; or Tony Fouladpour, Business Communications Manager,
+1-770-290-3667, tony.fouladpour@porsche.us
