VW Poznan Prototype Foundry to Advance Future Vehicle Development

The Volkswagen-owned Poznań manufacturing site is preparing for a significant expansion of its engineering capabilities through the establishment of the VW Poznan Prototype Foundry. Announced on June 24, the new corporate prototype foundry will be built at the company's plant in the Wilda district of Poland. The facility is intended to manufacture prototype components that will support the development and testing of upcoming vehicle programs across multiple Volkswagen brands, with production activities scheduled to commence in 2027.

Prototype Production to Support Future Vehicle Programs

The new prototype foundry will focus on manufacturing specialized components required during the early stages of vehicle development. These parts will be used for engineering validation, testing, and product refinement before full-scale production begins. Planned prototype products include electric motor housings, steering gear housings, and chassis components, serving the requirements of various brands within the Volkswagen Group. By producing these components internally, the company aims to strengthen its product development process while improving engineering flexibility.

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

The project will incorporate several modern manufacturing solutions designed to improve both production efficiency and component quality. Among the planned technologies are 3D printing systems for manufacturing casting cores and computed tomography equipment that will enable detailed, non-destructive inspections during quality control. These technologies are expected to accelerate prototype production while providing highly accurate verification of complex cast components used in future vehicle development.

Existing Foundry Capabilities

The Poznań foundry already plays an important role in supplying components for Volkswagen Group vehicles. Its current production portfolio includes cylinder heads, gearbox housings, steering housings, and chassis parts manufactured for a range of vehicle platforms. The facility also produces gearbox housings used in the Volkswagen ID. family of electric vehicles, demonstrating its existing contribution to the company's electric mobility programs alongside conventional vehicle manufacturing.

Production Scale and Workforce

By 2025, the Poznań operation had manufactured nearly 4.8 million components while employing approximately 1,000 people. The addition of the new corporate prototype foundry represents another step in expanding the site's technical expertise and manufacturing capabilities. Once operational in 2027, the facility is expected to further strengthen Volkswagen's ability to develop and validate future vehicle technologies using advanced production methods within its Polish manufacturing network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the VW Poznan Prototype Foundry?
The VW Poznan Prototype Foundry is being established to manufacture prototype components used during the development and testing of future vehicles before mass production begins. The facility will produce engineering parts such as electric motor housings, steering gear housings, and chassis components for multiple Volkswagen brands. These prototype components allow engineers to evaluate designs, validate performance, and improve product quality while supporting faster and more efficient vehicle development.

When will the new prototype foundry begin operations?
Production at the new VW Poznan Prototype Foundry is scheduled to start in 2027 after the facility has been fully established and equipped. Once operational, it will manufacture prototype vehicle components using advanced technologies including 3D printing for casting cores and computed tomography for quality inspection. These capabilities are expected to enhance prototype manufacturing efficiency and support future vehicle engineering programs across the Volkswagen Group.

What does the Poznań foundry currently manufacture?
The existing foundry at the Poznań plant already supplies several critical cast components for Volkswagen Group vehicles across different vehicle programs. Its current production includes cylinder heads, gearbox housings, steering housings, and chassis components. The facility also manufactures gearbox housings for the Volkswagen ID. electric vehicle range and had produced nearly 4.8 million components by 2025 while employing around 1,000 people.