Tesla’s popularity has grown in recent years as people have grown to appreciate the advantages the electric car provides. However, the demand for Tesla models have increased, and with more people seeking their own electric cars, CEO Elon Musk is forced to meet the demands by increasing production.
While the company has plenty of factories, Musk decided to shift his focus on expanding instead of adding more factories. He is focused on the expansion of the Berlin Gigafactory with plans of adding an extra shift.
The demand for Tesla models can be attributed to the rising gas prices, which has people seeking alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles. Musk’s company stands atop most people’s list.
As a result, the company is currently concentrating on more production to meet customer demand.
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Tesla factories have always been productive, but Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Texas have been two of the largest bases despite production having only started recently.
The Berlin plant has made the best progress, using 2,170 cells to enable a battery infrastructure that benefits Tesla. It also recorded a production rate of 1,000 models each week of June.
The Texas plant didn’t start off as hot as difficulties in ramping up production tempered with the manufacturing. The problems can be attributed to the 4,680 battery cells and structural batteries.
Despite the setback, Gigafactory Texas managed to increase production in the last weeks of June thanks to the company’s decision to build the 2170-cell Model Y Long Range at the factory.
The Berlin plant is expected to catch up to the progress in Texas, and to reinforce their goals, Tesla is reported to close Gigafactory Berlin for two weeks until facilities improve, according to German publication Bild.
“Tesla therefore wants to interrupt operation for two weeks starting next Monday,” wrote Bild. “It is unclear how many of the 4,500 employees will be sent on vacation and how many technicians will remain to convert production.”
The German publication added that the factory will add an extra shift and start producing electric motors so they won’t have to wait for the imports from Gigafactory Shanghai.
“According to employees, after the break-in production, work should be carried out in three instead of two shifts,” the publication elaborated. “In addition, Tesla could then start manufacturing the drive in a neighboring hall.”
While the plant is expected to get an upgrade in facilities, Gigafactory Berlin is tasked with not only finding employees but retaining them – a problem that has been prevalent for months.
Wages were reported to be the concern and local union IG Metall was rumored to get involved, but Tesla soothed the situation, raising wages by 6%.
