Aragon President Jorge Azcón said the battery gigafactory being jointly developed by CATL and Stellantis in northeastern Spain will employ an average of around 1,000 Chinese workers during its construction phase.
The announcement was made at a press conference alongside Andy Wu, chief executive of Contemporary Star Energy (CSE), the joint venture established by CATL and Stellantis to develop and operate the facility in Aragon.
According to Azcón, the number of Chinese workers involved in the construction of the battery plant is expected to peak at around 1,700. Their arrival will depend on the issuance of the required visas and work permits.
The facility, which is being built in the Aragon region, is currently employing around 500 people in construction activities. Of these, 172 workers have arrived from China, primarily to support design and management functions associated with the project.
The CATL-Stellantis gigafactory is expected to play a significant role in strengthening Europe’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity and supporting the region’s transition toward electric mobility. The project is also expected to create substantial employment opportunities for local workers once the plant becomes operational.
Azcón said the joint venture plans to train around 4,000 workers from Aragon to staff the facility when it reaches full production capacity. This is expected to support the development of a skilled local workforce capable of operating the advanced battery manufacturing facility.
The plant’s construction formally began with the laying of its first stone in November 2025. According to Azcón, the project has now received all necessary approvals required to proceed with the completion of construction.
The development comes as European automakers and battery manufacturers accelerate investments in local battery production to reduce reliance on imported cells and strengthen regional supply chains. CATL, one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, is working with Stellantis to establish the facility as part of a broader strategy to support the growing electric vehicle market in Europe.
The joint venture is also expected to contribute to the expansion of Spain’s electric vehicle and battery ecosystem, potentially attracting further investment and creating new opportunities across the battery supply chain.
Meanwhile, Andy Wu, CEO of CSE, is expected to relocate to Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, as the project moves forward. His relocation is likely to support the joint venture’s operations and coordination during the construction and commissioning phases.
Production at the gigafactory was previously expected to begin by the end of 2026. However, the timeline has now been revised, with manufacturing operations expected to start in the first months of 2027.
The facility is set to become an important part of CATL and Stellantis’ efforts to expand battery manufacturing capabilities in Europe. With construction progressing and workforce preparations underway, the project is moving toward its next phase, combining Chinese battery technology and expertise with local talent and manufacturing capabilities in Spain.
Electrify your feed! Click here to join our Whatsapp group and to get the latest updates, expert insights, and innovations driving India’s energy storage revolution.
