Daimler Expands Gearbox Manufacturing in Romania

In early February 2019, the German auto manufacturer Daimler plans to start manufacturing of a brand-new gearbox for Mercedes vehicles at the manufacturing enterprise in Romania.

Currently, Daimler has approximately 2000 specialists at 2 manufacturing facilities managed by its Romanian affiliated companies: Star Transmission and Star Assembly. Established 18 years ago, Star Transmission’s facility in Cugir produces different elements for engines, gearboxes, and steering elements. It is also home to the technopark and a training facility.

Star Transmission and Star Assembly production facilities

Its related company Star Assembly was started in 2013 in Sebes, with production of the 5-speed automatic gearbox being launched the same year. The first 7-speed DCT was assembled at this site in 2014. Since 2016, engineers of this plant have been assembling the 9-speed 9G-TRONIC gearbox for Mercedes-Benz. This enterprise is the 2-nd largest exporter in Romania and one of the most important country’s businesses in terms of annual sales.

According to Daimler officials, output capacities of Romanian plants became major assets to satisfy the auto market demand. To meet all professional requirements, specialists at Romanian facilities took intensive training courses at the manufacturing facility in Germany. Therefore, gearboxes assembled in Romania comply with highest standards. The launch of 9G-Tronic manufacturing in Romania increased the competitive abilities of Daimler.

Visit to Star Assembly Facility in Sebes

Now, Daimler plans to manufacture the 8G DCTs for Mercedes cars in Sebes. This is the latest stage of a $342 million investment Daimler started in 2014. For several years, several types of automatic gearboxes have been assembled at Sebes site for different Mercedes-Benz models.

Learn more about Star Transmission

A year ago, Daimler also pumped significant financial resources in a new manufacturing site for planetary gears in Cugir. According to Star Transmission, the new unit has sufficient production area and creates many working positions; it will produce planetary gears for 9-speed automatic gearboxes. Daimler actively cooperates with other companies and utilizes capacities of its branches worldwide as part of its development plans.