With an investment of 4.1 billion euros, the joint venture between CATL and Stellantis places Zaragoza on the global map of electrification.
The decision to build a gigafactory in Figueruelas, with a projected capacity of up to 50 GWh, marks a turning point in the industrial landscape of the region and the Spanish automotive sector.
In this context, Sara Martín, General Secretary of the UGT at the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, assures Mobility Portal España that the choice of Aragon is no coincidence.
“Strategically, from a logistical point of view, we are in a key position,” she says.
In this regard, she explains: “We are very well connected to both Madrid and Barcelona, in addition to our proximity to the Mediterranean corridor, which links Africa to Europe via France.”
And not only that.
Beyond geography, the work culture and commitment of Aragon’s workers were also decisive, according to the UGT representative.
Each Autonomous Community has certain characteristics that define it.
“It is said that Aragonese are stubborn and noble,” explains Martín.
Thanks to this, he says that they have managed to make all the projects within the factory “move forward.”
“The seriousness of our work and our perseverance are characteristics that define us, and I believe that these factors have been decisive for CATL to decide on Zaragoza,” she says.
Another factor that may have influenced CATL’s decision is a collective agreement negotiated at Stellantis, “reached at a time when the automotive sector had not yet faced such a crisis.”
“This guarantees us a future until 2027 and may have been one of the key factors for the company to decide to establish itself in our plant,” she argues.
The project not only positions Spain as a benchmark in the production of batteries for electric vehicles, but also reinforces Europe’s role in reducing emissions.
“Electrification is here to stay and in that sense Stellantis has already done its homework,” stresses Sara Martín.
The planned capacity of the plant, up to 50 GWh, will guarantee the supply of cells for electric cars in the B and C segments.
This, according to Robin Zeng, CEO of CATL, “will allow us to democratize zero-emission technology and meet the growing demand for batteries in Europe.”
What impact will it have on the workplace?
Although official figures on job creation have not been confirmed, some reports speculate that up to 4,000 new jobs have been created, both directly and indirectly.
“We don’t want to get too many ideas because, although it is within our own factory, it doesn’t apply directly to us,” explains Martín.
In this context, he argues that, among the required profiles, those of engineers and operators could stand out .
Regardless of the number of jobs it will generate, this project represents a major boost for the region.
Why?
“In the midst of this industrial revolution that the automobile is experiencing, it ensures a future not only for Spanish plants, but also for suppliers in Aragon, since due to proximity there are a series of expenses that are amortized,” she says.
What is the agreement between Stellantis and CATL?
The announcement of this gigafactory comes at the same time as the award of 300 million euros to Stellantis within the framework of Perte VEC III, of which 133 million are destined for its Figueruelas plant.
John Elkann, President of the company, said: “This joint venture will bring innovative battery production to a manufacturing facility that is already a leader in clean, renewable energy, contributing to a 360-degree sustainable approach.”
Zeng, for his part, underlines CATL’s commitment to Europe, reflected in its operating plants in Germany and Hungary, and now with this project in Spain.
During a meeting at the Moncloa Palace, President Pedro Sánchez thanked the leaders of Stellantis and CATL for their confidence in the national territory as a strategic point for the electrification of transport.
“This investment reaffirms Spain’s commitment to a decarbonised future and to the creation of quality employment,” he said.
With production expected in 2026, the transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to customary regulatory conditions.
