Brussels production plantoverview

It all started in 1954: five years after the establishment of a plant by the name of "Anciens Etablissements D’Ieteren Frères", production of the VW Beetle on behalf of Volkswagen started in Brussels. Over the next 20 years, more than 1.1 million units of this model were built there. In 1970 Volkswagen AG took over and modernised the plant. It subsequently built around 6.5 million cars between 1970 and 2006. Following its restructuring in 2007, Audi assumed responsibility for the plant. By agreement with the Belgian trade unions, the plant was renamed AUDI BRUSSELS S.A. / N.V. in 2007

Production

The Audi A3 Sportback and VW Polo are currently built at Brussels. The Audi A1 is due to go into production there in 2010. The Brussels plant will then assume sole responsibility for the production of a model for the first time in its history. AUDI AG has earmarked around € 100 million for the renewal of the essential infrastructure. A further equivalent sum is to be invested in the body manufacturing, paint shop and assembly line, in preparation for the new A1.

Automotive Park
The region, which has acquired the nickname "automotive valley", is an ideal location for the production of premium cars. The "Automotive Park" was opened in the immediate vicinity of the present Audi plant in 2006. This modern logistics and supply centre guarantees highly efficient production processes that create added value for Audi. A direct link to the production halls by bridge keeps the supply of materials flowing smoothly.

Turntable concept
Production initially of the Audi A3 at Brussels will play a major role in implementing what is known as the turntable concept. It will then be possible to build volume models flexibly at several locations. In anticipation of high demand for the Audi A3, Audi will thus be able to fulfil customer requests even more quickly.

Audi Production System
The adoption of the Audi Production System (APS) is also of key importance for efficient, lean production operations. The core elements are teamwork and a continuous improvement process. Structures, processes and products can thus be revisited and improved continually and comprehensively. The APS is already used successfully at Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and the Hungarian plant in Györ.

Environmental protection
There are already high standards of environmental protection in place at the Brussels plant. As long ago as 2000, the Brussels region commended the plant as an "eco-dynamic business". From 2003 on, the plant merited the highest grade of regional environmental certificate, with three stars. It has also been accredited under the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) since 2001. Audi is nevertheless making additional efforts to bring it up to the high ecological standards of other Audi plants.