Chinese electric truck manufacturer Windrose is planning to establish its European headquarters and inaugural workshop in Zele (East Flanders). The company estimates approximately 3,000 jobs will be created.
Windrose, an emerging Chinese start-up, has developed a promising electric truck. In late April, CEO Wen Han launched a Belgian entity backed by a modest start-up capital of €61,500. This Belgian endeavour now has its first physical presence with Windrose's maiden European branch, De Tijd reported.
An "operational base" that houses an office and a workshop is set to be constructed on land belonging to transport company Gilbert De Clercq in Zele. "This marks the first phase of our strategic roadmap and lays the foundation for future expansion," Han said.
According to the Windrose founder, the next phase involves relocating their operations to an industrial site in Antwerp's port area. This location is intended to house research and development activities and the assembly factory, where parts shipped from China will predominantly be assembled into electric trucks.
Han has wanted a location in Europe to establish an assembly factory for some time. Antwerp, one of Europe's key ports, has now emerged as the preferred option. The facility, which will be completed by 2027, aims to produce around 10,000 electric trucks annually.
Alongside the factory and research and development centre, Han anticipates approximately 3,000 jobs will be created, and an investment of €300 million will be secured. Furthermore, the CEO hopes to construct a battery factory in France.
