Skoda with a new ultra-modern paint shop
The new line will be equipped with the most advanced automation and robotics systems
Skoda Auto has taken another important step towards the modernization of its main plant in Mlada Boleslav by laying the foundation stone of a new high-tech paint shop. The opening is planned for 2029. The new facility will have a capacity of up to 1,600 vehicles per day, which, in combination with the existing capacity, will increase the total daily capacity of the plant's paint complex to 2,600 vehicles.
The new line will be equipped with the most advanced automation and robotics systems, ensuring high precision and quality of the protective coating. The facility will be able to paint both combustion engine and electric vehicles.
It will also allow for the application of two-tone coatings and matte paint. Crucially, the new paint shop will contribute to Škoda Auto’s goal of transitioning to carbon-neutral production at all Czech plants by 2030. In particular, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions will be reduced by more than 14 g/m2 and CO2 emissions will be reduced by 28%.
Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto’s Board of Directors Member for Production and Logistics, commented: “The construction of a new paint shop at our main plant in Mlada Boleslav underlines our commitment both to the Czech Republic, the home of Škoda Auto, and to the company’s sustainable development. The extensive use of modern technologies, in particular robotic systems for applying PVC sealant and automated sealing of body openings, will significantly increase production efficiency. The new facility will also set new environmental standards among Volkswagen Group companies, thanks to a significant reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) and CO2 emissions.“
The new paint shop will provide a higher level of operational flexibility, allowing both combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles to be processed on the same line. It will be equipped with a new coating curing oven, which will guarantee high precision at every stage. The combined energy source - biogas and electricity - will reduce emissions, lower costs and increase overall energy efficiency.
Today, there are two paint shops in Mlada Boleslav. The first of them was put into operation in 1996 and will be completely replaced by the new facility. The new workshop will provide additional capabilities, including applying a contrasting roof color and a matte finish. The second, modern workshop was opened in 2019. Together, these facilities will create ideal conditions for advanced processing of car bodies.
The scale of the new project is impressive: the building will be 301 m long, 131 m wide and 32.5 m high (equivalent to a seven-story building). Its total area will be 118,000 m2 - more than 16 football fields. The conveyor system will stretch for 15 km. The workshop will be built on the site of the current parking lot for finished cars, next to the new Laurens and Clements Bridge.
Painting provides not only aesthetic appeal, but also reliable protection of the car from external influences. The process involves several layers: anti-corrosion coating, PVC on vulnerable areas, then preliminary and main painting using the “wet-on-wet“ technology. For the first time, Skoda will use a process in which the main decorative layer is applied directly to the cataphoresis, without prior priming, which optimizes costs without losing quality. The final clear coat and wax treatment provide long-lasting protection, with the total thickness of all layers being approximately 100 micrometers (0.1 mm).