Lower Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. Bernd Althusmann, and the Mayor of Salzgitter, Frank Klingebiel, were also present.

"While the whole of Germany is talking about electromobility and climate protection, the future is already being actively shaped in Salzgitter," emphasized Klingebiel. The two partners want to start building a battery factory at the Salzgitter site as early as 2020. Industrial production is scheduled to start at the Salzgitter plant in 2023/2024.

Klingebiel continued: "This unique transformation process of the existing engine plant not only secures the Salzgitter site in the long term, but also marks the dawn of a new industrial era in Germany, both technologically and climate-friendly. I am pleased and proud that the starting signal for this historic course has been given in my home town. I would like to thank the responsible board members, the works councils, the workforce, the state and local politicians for having the courage and foresight to tackle this now and implement it quickly."