On February 7, we officially started the production of the high-tech eight-speed dual-clutch transmission 8G-DCT, developed by Mercedes-Benz Cars. As to manufacture the product, two new halls were built at the site in Sebes.
“The extension of our transmission manufacturing underlines the importance, flexibility and high performance of our production site in Romania in the global Mercedes-Benz Cars powertrain production network. The Sebes plant plays a key role in supplying the Mercedes-Benz Passenger car plants worldwide with high-tech transmissions flexibly and efficiently”, says Frank Deiß, Head of Powertrain Production Mercedes-Benz Cars.
At the celebrations to mark the opening of the production halls for the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission 8G-DCT, Klaus Eichhorn, Site Manager and CEO of Star Transmission and Star Assembly, welcomed Frank Deiß and also Stefan-Radu Oprea, Minister for Business Environment, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in Romania and further guests from the worlds of politics and business.
”What we are witnessing here today represents another positive outcome of the long-term partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Romania. We welcome the decision of the company, one of the world’s largest stakeholders of the mobility sector, to implement a new significant project in Romania. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the Government’s full support towards all investment projects in Romania”, says Stefan-Radu Oprea, Minister of Business Environment, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
“We are the first and only location in the Mercedes-Benz Cars powertrain production network to manufacture the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. For this, we carried out the appropriate intensive preparations and deliver automatic transmissions in Mercedes-Benz top quality. The continued commitment of Mercedes-Benz with regard to developing the Romanian locations of Sebes and Cugir represents a powerful declaration of its trust in our highly qualified and engaged team as well as its outstanding work. We are proud to be part of this milestone in the history of transmission production”, says Klaus Eichhorn.
On May 15, the famous event Family Day took place in Cugir, marking the18th anniversary of Star Transmission. Family Day is an event to which where the entire town attends. Every year, the event gathers more than 15,000 people from across the county and beyond. From most places, the organizing company always provides free transportation to the event. This year, Gașca Zurli, Vunk and Smiley took to the stage.
On June 3, the company hosted the visit of her Majesty Margaret, Crown Custodian, and his Royal Highness Prince Radu. The visit was part of a diplomatic effort aimed at revealing to the royal couple the main projects currently underway within the Star Assembly branch that, together with Star Transmission, are important economic pillars at the level of Alba County. The Royal Family was welcomed by Klaus Eichhorn, as well as by representatives of the local management of the two subsidiaries. After the key notes by Klaus Eichhorn, then followed a brief presentation of the two companies. The Royal Family then visited the production facility of the new eight-speed transmission 8G-DCT, launched earlier this year. During the visit, Her Majesty Margareta and his Royal Highness Prince Radu observed the production activity in real time, received information on the operation of the lines and participated in several demonstration activities. Then came a free discussion session with the employees, where the employees of the two companies had the opportunity to interact with the Royal Family in a relaxed atmosphere.
In addition, this year, in collaboration with the AJOFM labor authorities, Star Assembly initiates a qualification program for automated line assembly operators to help the sustainable integration into the labor market of unemployed people. For 12 months, apprentices have the opportunity to learn and implement what they learn. They will be part of a team of specialists, have access to state-of-the-art automotive technology and a working environment that encourages productivity and positivism, open and transparent communication and team spirit. Upon graduation of the program, apprentices will obtain a European-recognized “Automated Line Assembly Operator” qualification diploma.
The series of highlights of 2019 ends with the “15 years STC” event. In an informal setting, attended by the celebrated employees of the year along with the partners, the company shows its gratitude to our colleagues who have completed 15 years of activity at Star Transmission.
