BMW prepares for all-electric future: Drees & Sommer supports major plant overhaul in Munich

BMW’s Munich plant, a key site in the automaker’s global production network, is undergoing a massive transformation to produce the next generation of all-electric “Neue Klasse” vehicles. With around 7,000 employees and a daily output of approximately 1,000 vehicles, the facility is set to become fully electric by 2027. BMW is investing €650 million into a new assembly hall, logistics facilities, and bodywork production, aiming to launch operations by November 2026. Drees & Sommer SE, an interdisciplinary project management firm, is working alongside BMW, PORR AG, and PDE to execute the complex overhaul while keeping the plant operational.

Maximilian Lammel, team leader at Drees & Sommer, noted the tight timeline as one of the project’s primary challenges. “We started demolition in April 2023, and new vehicles must roll off the line by late 2026,” Lammel said. Ensuring that construction does not disrupt ongoing production requires a streamlined, intensive communication and workflow system among all project stakeholders.

The project is guided by a unique “Partnering-Abwicklungsmodell,” a partnership approach that emphasizes joint accountability among BMW, PORR AG, and Drees & Sommer. By fostering open communication and shared responsibility, this model aims to eliminate the miscommunication that often complicates large-scale projects. “Traditional setups can lead to communication breakdowns across layers, but our partnership model creates a collaborative environment with direct information flow,” Lammel added.

Adapting techniques from the automotive industry, Drees & Sommer applies Lean management principles to streamline the construction schedule. “Our Lean approach ensures efficient coordination, enabling all teams to work harmoniously toward a common outcome,” said Florian Langlotz, partner in charge of Drees & Sommer’s Automotive Division. Planning every detail down to specific times for staff, machines, and materials, the project recently achieved a milestone, completing the new assembly hall’s shell in just ten days.

The team relies on a “digital twin” of the site, providing a virtual model enriched with data on materials, costs, durability, sound insulation, and fire safety. “This tool ensures everyone has immediate access to critical information,” explained Drees & Sommer team leader Simon Rogalski. By catching potential issues before they impact construction, the digital twin helps prevent costly delays, promoting transparency and collaboration.

Set for completion in 2026, the new assembly facilities will enable BMW’s Munich plant to focus exclusively on all-electric vehicles. By 2027, this historic site will lead BMW’s global shift to an all-electric production line, underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in electromobility.