April 13, 2021 - The new Rimac Automobili campus was presented on Monday, set to open in 2023.
Index.hr reports that the manufacturer of electric hypercars and propulsion systems for electric cars, Rimac Automobili, presented the project of its new technologically advanced headquarters, which includes a test track, accommodation facilities, and a museum.
According to the statement, Rimac Automobili was created with a vision of creating exciting electric cars and propulsion systems for electric vehicles. In just ten years, they have grown from a garage project to a company that already employs 1,000 people. Today, the company develops and manufactures its own cars and technology and electric drive systems for many global car manufacturers. Today, it is one of the prominent companies on the rise in the automotive industry, transitioning to the electric future.
In line with its status as a strategic partner to large companies such as Hyundai, Kia, and Porsche, Rimac wants to gather all its employees and functions in one unique location. The striking complex, designed by the famous Croatian architectural office 3LHD, will embody all Rimac values. The new complex will be a base for research, development, and production. It will enable the company to grow from the production of prototypes and projects in small series to large-scale production of high-performance electric powertrains and battery systems for many global automotive companies.
The new location, based on the idea of creating the best possible working environment for employees from all over the world, is located just a few kilometers from the current headquarters of Rimac Automobili and is located on a plot of 200,000 m2. In comparison, the built area will reach about 100,000 m2. It is expected to be completed by 2023. The look and impression left by the new complex are the results of long deliberation. Mate Rimac wanted the new headquarters of his company to embody the character of the brand and the character of the employees. The spaces are designed to be friendly, open, and warm, with added elements of entertainment. Simultaneously, in line with the company’s status as a technology leader, they will be modern, illuminated, and inspired by the natural environment.
Unlike most automotive industry locations, where high fences and levels of secrecy are set up, the Rimac Campus will be open to the public, and the interaction of visitors, guests, the curious, and employees are desirable and welcome.
Speaking about the exciting plans, the CEO and founder of the company, Mate Rimac, said: "Only 10 years ago Rimac Automobili was one man in a garage. Since then, we have grown to about 1000 employees, entered into strategic partnerships with Porsche, Hyundai Motor Group, and other important partners. We work with the biggest names in the automotive industry. But what we have remained committed to is the development of our business in Croatia. We are proud to have stayed here and that this new location will become our long-term home."
"With the rapid growth came problems with space, which we 'patched' with many improvisations, so we ended up in more than 10 buildings in 6 cities in Croatia. The working environment and cooperation of teams are essential to us, so we decided to make a big step and build our long-term home - Rimac Campus. We want to create a space that best reflects our brand and our ambitions. We work with leading world architects to build a campus that fits into Croatia's natural beauty while uniting every aspect of Rimac Automobili. The project will create the best possible working environment for our employees and enable visitors and the general public to enjoy the space and socialize with Rimac Automobili employees. The campus will also contain some unexpected elements, such as an animal shelter, a hairdresser, a veterinary clinic, and growing our own food. Still, we have never been conventional, so the campus reflects our approach, which is different from most. The campus is our springboard for planned growth for the next decade and beyond, as it strengthens us as hypercar manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers of electric drive components and vehicle systems to major automakers.”
3LHD has already designed several significant Croatian and international projects, including the Grand Park Hotel and Hotel Lone in Rovinj and the Hotel LN Garden in the Chinese city of Guangzhou. Using their rich experience in creating spectacular buildings and complexes, often integrating spaces with nature, the architects drew inspiration for the campus's design from several sources, including the shape and movement of Rimac's hypercar - C_Two, as well as speed, described from Rimac Automobili.
Thus, the main building's design focuses on how the four key groups will enter and move around the site. For example, employees will naturally strive to get to their jobs as quickly as possible. At the same time, at the other end, visitors are likely to want to soak up the experience as long as possible and stay in impressive common indoor and outdoor spaces.
Of course, in line with the brand’s focus on striking design, innovation, and sustainability, the new complex will feature many smart and unique features. Among them are the "urban swamp" and meadows and the garden on the roof of the restaurant. An additional element of the complex will be accommodation facilities. Instead of a classic hotel to accommodate visitors and new employees, a series of individual “capsules” are envisaged that will blend in with the forest environment.
Given the brand’s commitment and passion for automotive projects, the site will also have many facilities that will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the full experience of exciting cars and Rimac Automobiles. Among other things, customers will be able to view and choose their Rimac car's specifications in a special configuration room, and there will also be a museum and bar. As part of the tour of the site, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the production. Given the scope of Rimac's work for other automotive companies, several rooms are also planned for customer projects, which will be available only to employees working on a particular project.
One of the key values of Rimac is the well-being and education of employees. That is why a playroom, a gym and a sports center, a restaurant, and even a kindergarten with a meadow with domestic animals are planned. In line with the sustainability orientation, on-site organic food production is also envisaged, and an abundance of greenery to enjoy for both employees and visitors. Satisfying the company's desire for multi-purpose and adaptable spaces, the site will also have an auditorium, conference hall, and training rooms. Given the company's rapid growth, the location is designed so that it can expand over time while still merging with its natural environment.
In the long run, the new location will accommodate more than 2,500 employees, which exceeds the current number of employees by more than 100%. Therefore, the site is divided into two different areas. The first is the company's headquarters building, where the main functions, management, research, and development will be located. The offices of Greyp, an electric bicycle company, were also founded by Mate Rimac.
This production facility will be connected to the production facility by a large glazed restaurant subtly embedded in the landscape overlooking both sides of the campus. At one end, there will be retail space and a nursery. On the other side, there will be a reception and a museum. Opposite them will be production and test facilities, which include design and prototyping. At the back, there will be an entrance to the heart of the site, a production plant with machining, composite production, paint shop, production of batteries and electric drive parts, vehicle assembly, and a quality control laboratory.
The new campus's size and ambitions are huge, which makes it one of the largest buildings of its kind in Europe, not only in the automotive industry. The planned financial investments in the project exceed 200 million euros. Construction on the new location is expected to begin by the end of the year, and completion is planned for 2023.
You can read more about the new Rimac Automobili campus HERE.
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