Stellantis is doubling production capacity at its Kenitra site in Morocco with a new energy-efficient paint shop built by Dürr. The facility will enable eco-friendly, high-quality coatings for electric and hybrid vehicles, while repurposing robots from other Stellantis plants to conserve resources.
The new plant focuses on energy optimization, significantly boosting Stellantis’ output of battery-powered and hybrid vehicles, including models from Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat. It can process 30 vehicle bodies per hour, the same rate as the first Kenitra plant built by Dürr in 2019.
Energy-Saving Technology
The facility uses Dürr’s RoDip rotational dip process for pretreatment and cathodic electrocoating, which improves corrosion protection by rotating the vehicle bodies during the dip process. This method optimizes immersion, flooding, and draining while using less water, chemicals, and heating energy than traditional systems, cutting operating costs.
Lower Emissions with Electric Ovens
Stellantis will also introduce Dürr’s EcoInCure electric oven technology. This system heats and cools vehicle bodies from the inside out, reducing thermal stress and heating times by 30%. Powered by green electricity, the oven cuts emissions by 40% compared to gas-powered models, enhancing environmental sustainability.
Repurposing Technology for Sustainability
Stellantis is reusing robots and equipment from its Italian plants to increase efficiency. The repurposed robots, fitted with EcoBell2 applicators, will handle two-tone painting at the Kenitra site. Other equipment, such as air supply units and conveyors, is also being transferred from Europe, supporting sustainability by maximizing the use of existing resources.
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