- The new PXL press at the Martorell plant is one of the most modern in the world, and can stamp 4 million parts per year with maximum efficiency
- Following 40 months of development and construction, the facility is up and running, already stamping parts for the company’s current production models
- This is a step forward in the company’s electrification process, which is key to the production of the CUPRA Raval and the Volkswagen ID. Polo
Martorell, 30/10/2025. The road to electrification takes a lot of different aspects into consideration. The transformation can be seen in the design of the models, in staff training, and also in the modernisation of facilities and processes. This is the case with the new PXL press at the SEAT and CUPRA plant in Martorell, which is more efficient, powerful and connected. Among the most modern in the world, its presses will be used to produce up to 4 million body parts of the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID. Polo per year. At the moment, the presses are already stamping parts for the company’s current production models.
The most efficient
The press features the latest technology and stands out for its high productivity: “Thanks to its 15 strokes per minute, we can stamp more parts in less time, with maximum efficiency” explains Alicia Molina, director of Production Process Engineering at SEAT and CUPRA. This efficiency is also enhanced by the reduction in the time required to change the dies, allowing up to fifteen changes per day to manufacture different parts: “By fully automating this process, we have managed to decrease the time it takes to change dies to just five minutes between finishing the last part in a series and starting production of the first in the next one” says Jose Arreche, director of the SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell.
An industrial achievement
Given the complexity of moving and anchoring such powerful, heavy machinery, the construction of the press was a major technical feat. In order to withstand its 81,000 kN of force, the press sits atop a 9-metre-deep pit and 20-metre-deep concrete pile foundations, which is equivalent to the height of a 7-storey building. This required up to 40 months of development and construction works, involving many challenges in terms of coordination. “Communication and cross-functional work among the production process -engineering, maintenance, production, logistics, IT, prevention and finance teams played a key role in the success of this mega-construction project” says Molina.
Connected factory
One of the new features of the facility is its connectivity. With each stamping, around 3,000 data points can be extracted. “We’re currently developing two systems that will be key to interpreting this huge flow of data and gathering detailed information about production control and maintenance” says Molina. In this regard, the next step will be to use the information to make predictions and thus optimise processes.
New profiles
Faced with a transition of this magnitude, the people who work on the PXL press have also undergone a transformation of their own, which was a crucial step in adapting to the new machinery and its digitalisation. “Training was an essential part in preparing us for this change at all levels” says Arreche, adding that “We’ve changed our mindset, and now we’re ready for the new electric era.”
The PXL expressed in figures
- 6 presses
- 81,000 kN of force
- 15 strokes per minute
- 5 minutes to change dies
- 3,000 data points extracted per stamping
- 4 million parts per year
- 40 months of development and construction
- 9-metre-deep pit
- 20-metre-deep pile foundations
Change needs drivers and SEAT S.A. is steering the future of mobility. As the only company in Spain that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets cars, SEAT S.A. is a cornerstone of the nation’s automotive industry and the driving force behind its electrification.
As the company undertakes the biggest transformation in its 75-year history, SEAT S.A. is turning Spain into a European hub for electric vehicles. Through the Future: Fast Forward project, and in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, PowerCo, and other partners, the company has invested €10 billion into the country’s electrification. The company is also leading the Electric Urban Car project for the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core and will begin producing 100% electric vehicles, including the CUPRA Raval, at its Martorell plant from 2026.
A member of the Volkswagen Group, SEAT S.A. sells vehicles under the SEAT and CUPRA brands including the iconic SEAT Ibiza and the company’s bestselling model, the CUPRA Formentor. With 14,000 professionals and three production centres in Martorell, El Prat de Llobregat, and Barcelona, the company exports over 80% of its vehicles to more than 70 countries.