Claas breaks ground for a new multifunctional tractor production facility in Le Mans, France. The investment of 6.5 million euros will strengthen the site and at the same time invest in the growth of the Claas Group.
Claas officially handed over all the necessary building and operating permits for the new. With the construction of the multifunctional production facility, Claas is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the region and its importance in Claas’ global production network. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in the presence of Claas senior management and Stéphane Le Foll, Mayor of Le Mans and former French Minister of Agriculture.
The expansion is a decisive step in preparing the site for the expected growth in production over the next ten years. The tractor business is seen as a significant growth opportunity for Claas Group. In particular, a modern CVT tractor offering is key to realizing growth potential.
Thomas Spiering, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Claas Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the Le Mans site: “Le Mans is the heart of our global tractor business. We have come to stay and we have proven this by investing more than 80 million euros to date in the transformation of this site into a model of modern tractor manufacturing. This investment in our new multifunctional production facility is an important milestone in the expansion of our production capacity. It increases our operational flexibility, supports further vertical integration and expands our capacity to act in the global production network. At the same time, it strengthens our long-term partnership with the region Pays de la Loire.”
Stéphane Le Foll (Mayor of Le Mans), Thomas Spiering (Claas Chief Operating Officer (COO)) and Etienne Bourasseau (Le Mans Site Manager / Vice President Manufacturing)
Thomas Spiering, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Claas Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the Le Mans site: “Le Mans is the heart of our global tractor business. We have come to stay and we have proven this by investing more than 80 million euros to date in the transformation of this site into a model of modern tractor manufacturing. This investment in our new multifunctional production facility is an important milestone in the expansion of our production capacity. It increases our operational flexibility, supports further vertical integration and expands our capacity to act in the global production network. At the same time, it strengthens our long-term partnership with the region Pays de la Loire.”
Claas has been operating the tractor plant in Le Mans, France, as well as sites at Trangé (test and validation center) and Vélizy (development) since 2003, after acquiring Renault Agriculture. From that moment the company has produced more than 200,000 tractors for the global market there. At the same time, continuous investment has been made in the modernization and further development of the site, such as a new cab pre-assembly line, a modern and flexible assembly line, a new paint shop, a visitor center and training facilities at the Claas Academy. Tractors from 75 to 450 hp engine power in the Axion and Arion Series currently roll off the production line there.
The 3,800 m² multifunctional production facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The new building will then further optimize site logistics and increase vertical integration. This will reduce the need for transportation, improve quality and reduce overall costs for the benefit of customers.
