In a statement, the company said it is expanding the 1-year-old facility to help meet demand for lightweight automotive components. Through the expansion, the company will add two new laser welding lines, the first of which is scheduled to be put into service next fall. The second line will enter production in 2019.
 
"Technologically advanced production sites such as that in Linz make us the industry benchmark in this sector. They not only allow us to meet high demands of our automotive customers, but also to secure our technology leadership in the components sector over the long term, and the associated jobs," said Peter Schwab, head of voestalpine's metal forming division.