The light metal foundry is the largest production unit at BMW Group Plant Landshut and the company’s only European manufacturing facility for light metal casting. In 2023, employees at the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut produced 3.6 million cast components with a total weight of around 78,000 tonnes. The scope of production includes engine components such as cylinder heads and crankcases, components for electric drive trains and large-scale structural components for vehicle bodies.
The light metal foundry is one of the most state-of-the-art foundries in the world and its innovative and sustainable production processes have won numerous awards. The light metal foundry uses shaping sand cores, among other methods, to manufacture cast parts. The sand cores are produced using inorganic binders – a world first and a sustainable method that makes the casting process virtually emission-free. Five different casting methods are used for standard production of cast components. The most suitable casting method is selected, according to the component concept, technological requirements and production volume.
WHERE INNOVATION TAKES SHAPE.
In 2019, the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut was certified for its sustainable use of aluminium for the first time. It meets the standards of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), an international organisation supported by environmental and industrial associations, aluminium producers and processing companies.
Furthermore, since 2021, the light metal foundry has been sourcing aluminium for the production of which electricity from solar energy is used. This marks an important milestone on the road to the company's goal of lowering CO2 emissions in its supplier network by 20% by 2030. Since producing aluminium is highly energy-intensive, the use of green power - such as solar electricity - has significant potential for reducing CO2 emissions. With several tens of thousands tonnes valued in the three-digit million euros, the purchase of solar aluminium covers almost half of the annual demand of the light metal foundry at Plant Landshut.
