Production starts on Malibu Vans at new eco friendly factory
Surrounded by green fields, trees and lakes, the new Malibu Vans factory is in exactly the sort of location you might want to visit in your brand-new camper. So, it’s easy to understand why put so much emphasis on sustainability and protecting the environment when the plant was being built.
The new 50-million Euro factory, in the north-east town of Ormož, is highly specialised and features state-of-the-art production facilities.
Covering an area of approximately 100,000 square metres, it is expected to create 300 jobs by the end of 2024 and has the capacity to build around 3,000 Malibu Vans a year. The manufacturing facilities include a joinery, pre-assembly and assembly facilities and logistical support.
Production at the new plant began last year, with the top of the range, Fiat Ducato-based, Malibu First Class – Two Rooms 640 LE RB. As the name would suggest, this has a top-notch build quality and a clever ‘two rooms’ design, which effectively divides the campervan into two separate areas – with a lounge/diner and kitchen up front and en suite bedroom with changing area at the rear.
But the positive economic impact of the new plant has not been allowed to compromise Carthago’s commitment to sustainability.
Environmentally friendly features abound. About a third of the factory site consists of green areas. The LED lighting saves energy and the power supply comes from a combined heat and power plant and a solar power system. When power use is at its peak, highly efficient heat pumps meet the demand.
Markus Kern, CEO of Carthago said
We are combining economy and ecology in an exemplary way in Ormož.
This is Carthago’s second plant in Slovenia, with the nearby Odranci site celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Numerous senior politicians, including the Slovenian President, Nataša Pirc Musar, attended a special opening ceremony last year.
The move of the Malibu Vans production to the new plant will free up capacity for motorhome production in Odranci, resulting in further expansion, and more new jobs being created.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Carthago Group’s founder and owner, Karl-Heinz Schuler, said
In addition to our headquarters in Aulendorf/Upper Swabia, the plants in Odranci and now in Ormož constitute a supporting and indispensable pillar of the Carthago Group.
Without the foothold in Slovenia, the Carthago Group wouldn’t be what it is today: one of Europe’s most successful manufacturers of premium category motorhomes.
Want to know more about what's new for Malibu campervans in 2024? Read our round-up of the latest new 'vans here
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