Porsche Builds New Paint Shop with Latest Environmental Technology

ATLANTA, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche AG has announced it is expanding its innovative automobile production at the main factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen to include one of the most modern and environmentally-friendly paint shops in the world that will significantly reduce overall emissions of this notoriously problematic industrial process and still result in a more superior paint finish on the cars going through it.

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The factory at Zuffenhausen is where Porsche builds all its 911 and Boxsters sports cars.

The outer skeleton structure of the new paint shop has already taken shape, with the steel supports set to be completed in early 2010, and the entire facility is scheduled to be operational by 2011.

The paint shop will be run on two-shift-operation with a daily capacity of up to 170 911 and Boxster models at the Zuffenhausen facility. The latest environmentally sensitive technologies are being used during the new construction process as well as for the painting operation. For example, the painting process will feature complete dust protection with 100 percent encapsulation. This method not only enhances the already high quality of the vehicle paint coat, but also reduces the required amount of conditioned hall air required.

A unique electrostatic precipitator for paint dust will further cut the emission of solvents and particles to a minimum. The painting process is able to coat the cars without the mandatory 195-foot-high exhaust smokestack usually required to dissipate paint dust exhaust. This is attributed to the increased amount of circulated air and the exceptionally effective exhaust air purifier that only requires a small smokestack, which extends 33 feet above the roof.

Another environmentally-friendly innovation for the shop is a highly efficient energy management system.

"With the new paint shop, Porsche is ensuring that it will deliver surpassing quality in Zuffenhausen today and tomorrow - while also conserving resources in an exceptionally ecological and economical manner," explains Wolfgang Leimgruber, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics, Porsche AG.

Porsche is relying on regional specialists for these technical innovations.

The Stuttgart-based Maschinen- und Anlagenbaukonzern Durr AG, as the general contractor, is equipping the painting lines with the latest application technology, driers for hardening the paint as well as control and conveyor technology.

"Porsche will have one of the most modern paint shops in the world that will initiate new potential for quality and productivity, thereby setting new standards," explains Ralf Dieter, Chairman of the Executive Board at Durr AG.

The pretreatment system and cathodic paint dipping system with novel conveyor technology and the electrostatic separator for paint particles will be supplied by the Boblingen system provider, Eisenmann, a sub-supplier of Durr AG.

With a comprehensive wastewater treatment facility, this environmentally-friendly technology enables effluent levels that are many times less than legal limits.

"Porsche is the first automobile manufacturer in the world to use this technology," explains Dr. Matthias von Krauland, spokesperson for the Executive Board of Eisenmann AG.

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About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 201 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 61-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicle and the four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismo, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.