The SEAT and CUPRA Martorell plant has entered a new phase in its transformation toward electrification with the launch of the PXL press—one of the most advanced stamping facilities in the world. Capable of producing 4 million body parts annually, the new installation represents a major leap in productivity, efficiency, and digital integration.
Highlights
- 4 million parts per year with 15 strokes per minute for high-efficiency production
- Fully automated die changes reduce setup time to just five minutes
- Connected system captures 3,000 data points per stamping for predictive analysis
- 81,000 kN of press force supported by 20-meter-deep foundations
A Technological Leap for Electrification
After 40 months of development and construction, the PXL press is operational and already stamping parts for SEAT and CUPRA’s current production models. The new facility supports upcoming electrified vehicles such as the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo, strengthening SEAT S.A.’s role in the Volkswagen Group’s electric transition.
“The press achieves maximum efficiency with its 15 strokes per minute and rapid die changes,” said Alicia Molina, Director of Production Process Engineering. “By automating the process, we can switch dies in just five minutes—fifteen times a day.”
Engineering Precision and Power
Installing a press of this magnitude required major civil and structural works. To handle its 81,000 kN of force, engineers built a 9-meter-deep pit with 20-meter pile foundations, equivalent to the height of a seven-story building. “This was a true cross-departmental effort,” noted Jose Arreche, Director of the Martorell plant. “Coordination among engineering, production, logistics, IT, and finance teams was critical to its success.”
Data-Driven Production
The PXL press embodies SEAT S.A.’s commitment to smart manufacturing. Each stamping generates 3,000 data points, enabling advanced analytics for process optimization and predictive maintenance. “We are developing systems to interpret and apply this data for real-time decision-making,” Molina explained.
Preparing the Workforce for Change
The modernization of the Martorell facility also required workforce transformation. “Training was fundamental to prepare our teams for digitalized manufacturing,” Arreche said. “We’ve changed our mindset and are ready for the new electric era.”
Driving Spain’s Electrification
As part of the Future: Fast Forward initiative, SEAT S.A.—together with Volkswagen Group, PowerCo, and partners—has invested €10 billion to establish Spain as a European hub for electric vehicle production. The company will begin building 100% electric models in Martorell in 2026.
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