Windrose, a relatively new player in the electric lorry industry, has its origins in China, where it established its first manufacturing facility. Now, with plans to expand its global footprint, the company is exploring opportunities in Europe for its second manufacturing facility. Antwerp has emerged as a strong contender for this project.
Founder of Windrose, Wen Han, expressed the company’s intentions in an interview with French newspaper Le Monde, stating that discussions regarding the establishment of the European headquarters and an assembly plant are in advanced stages. Han further revealed that the investment for this venture is projected to reach 300 million euros, indicating the scale of the operation.
Reports suggest that Windrose’s consideration of Antwerp is strategic, with discussions held at various levels of government and business. Han’s visit to Belgium in February included meetings with key figures such as Antwerp Mayor Bart De Wever and Antwerp Voka CEO Luc Luwel, indicating the seriousness of the negotiations. Luc Luwel confirmed to De Tijd that talks with Windrose are progressing well, with Antwerp and Flanders high on the list of preferred locations.
If Antwerp wins the tender, the establishment of the Windrose factory is expected to create hundreds of jobs, mainly in research, development and production. This potential influx of employment opportunities is a welcome prospect, especially in light of the recent challenges faced by the automotive industry.
Windrose, founded in 2022, has quickly garnered attention within the industry, collaborating with notable clients such as Decathlon and major Chinese transporters like Kerry and Rokin. Despite receiving approvals for its electric truck from the Chinese government only in December last year, Windrose is aiming to deliver its first trucks by the end of 2024, targeting markets in China, Europe, and the United States.
The design of Windrose’s e-truck draws parallels with the Tesla Semi, boasting a range of over 600 kilometers on a full charge and comparable performance metrics. Notably, Windrose aims to offer its product at a price lower than its American counterpart, potentially disrupting the market with its competitive pricing strategy.