Series production of a new generation of electric cars began in June 2024 at the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center, the world's first Ford plant to be converted to electric vehicles. A typical vehicle consists of around 600 kilograms of steel per ton of unladen weight. The independent steel service center EMW from Neunkirchen is responsible for the just-in-time delivery of steel in the form of slit strips. Delivery of the new Ford Explorer EV with steel from EMW is already in full swing. In addition, production of a new sporty crossover as the second future-proof electric vehicle started in the fourth quarter of 2024. With an investment of two billion US dollars, Ford transformed the traditional Cologne plant into a factory of the future equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art robotics. A fundamental pillar of this is environmental protection and resource conservation. The strategy is comprehensive and takes a holistic view of the supply chains, with a particular focus on the steel supply chain. Emissions must be presented transparently and comprehensibly. EMW is involved in the process and provides support. The Siegerland-based company already delivers 300,000 tons of steel by rail to its customers every year. In the medium term, up to 600,000 tons per year are planned, saving 13,000 truck journeys. The reducedCO2 footprint of steel deliveries from EMW Steel Service Center contributes to decarbonization and thus to a more sustainable value chain at Ford.
