Adtran has unveiled its new Terafactory in Meiningen, Germany, fortifying supply chain resilience and accelerating regional technological advancements. The new facility brings production back to Central Europe, boosting the company’s protection against global logistics shocks and promising new local jobs.
Also, the Terafactory streamlines workflows and reduces resource consumption by harnessing advanced automation technologies. The move towards supply chain autonomy for Adtran’s core European market echoes a similar strategy in the US, where the company has recently expanded its manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Our new Terafactory helps us mitigate against supply chain challenges like those we experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. By enhancing the production and logistics side of our business, we’re reducing our dependency on third parties and putting us in control of our destiny. This strategic move makes us more responsive and resilient to shifting supply chain pressures,” said Christoph Glingener, CTO of Adtran. “Our new Terafactory generates a significant portion of the power it needs, making day-to-day operations more energy efficient.”
Glingener added that the new Terafactory will strengthen Europe’s optical transport technology market position. “By bringing the production of our world-leading optical transport technology back to Germany, we can more easily ensure precision and quality,” he said. “Moreover, it will strengthen Europe’s position in optical transport technology, fostering regional innovation and setting new benchmarks for the industry worldwide.”
The new Terafactory reduces Adtran’s dependence on overseas suppliers and helps stabilize the delivery of its networking solutions to customers. As part of the BMBF-sponsored 6G-Terafactory project, Adtran will deploy an Open-RAN-based private mobile network across the campus, enabling automated processes and making hardware production, such as the company’s flagship FSP 3000 open optical transport platform, more efficient.
Quality control is also simplified, as experts at the Meiningen site can now conduct this before distribution. And with its photovoltaic solar power system, Adtran is further reducing its carbon footprint as it moves towards energy self-sufficiency throughout the Terafactory. A substantial investment from the Thuringian government has bolstered this significant initiative.
"Adtran has proactively taken steps to insulate itself against future shocks while championing sustainable practices that contribute directly to the local economy and community. This not only brings value to our region but also creates tangible opportunities right here in Thuringia. That’s why we’re proud to support Adtran in developing its new production hub,” commented Bodo Ramelow, Minister-President of Thuringia. “Adtran’s Terafactory represents German industry at its best. This state-of-the-art facility sends a clear message to others who may be scaling back operations in response to global pressures.”
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