he recent expansion by Baudouin of its manufacturing centres in Cassis, France, has enabled the company to expand the operational limits of critical power by as much as five times. The output model is structured for progressive scaling, ramping up volumes in phases as the extension reaches maturity and is projected to achieve a fivefold increase in integration capacity by 2027, reports the company.
Baudouin has been involved insome significant investments recently, including a US$29 million funding round led by Impact Expansion for Wooclap, an EdTech company. Additionally, Weichai has invested in Baudouin, which has seen a multi-million euro investment expand its manufacturing capacity.
Baudouin currently produces engines across the W, M26, M33, M55 and M61 platforms, covering a displacement range from approximately 30 litres up to 121 litres in its 20 cylinder configuration. Many of these engines are bought for high output power generation environments where operational continuity is critical.
Upgrades of the Cassis site include a new high-capacity production area dedicated to engine platforms above 1.5 MVA. There are also four heavy duty workstations equipped with overhead crane systems capable of handling from 20 up to 50 tons, enabling precise assembly of large-scale engine blocks under controlled manufacturing conditions. A fully automated paint booth accommodating engines up to 16 tons has been integrated into the flow, featuring automated washing and drying cycles with a throughput of one engine every two hours. This installation supports finishing consistency while sustaining industrial rhythm.
Baudouin also has a dedicated engine test cell equipped with hydraulic brakes capable of testing engines up to 5.5 MVA. Each unit undergoes full load verification prior to delivery. At full maturity, the reinforced organization will support the production of several hundred high horsepower engines annually across the M33, M55 and M61 ranges, positioning the facility to deliver close to five times its current production volume.
A dedicated genset test cell capable of handling up to 6 MVA is currently under development within the French manufacturing base. Once operational, this installation will enable complete system validation aligned with the performance expectations of Data Centres and critical infrastructure operators.
In 2009 Weichai acquired Baudouin and has since focused on ensuring the employment of employees and enhancing the company's operations. Weichai has continuously increased investment, expanded production capacity, and increased employment, enabling Baudouin to enter the track of high-quality development, successfully saving this century-old enterprise, and creating a new benchmark for win-win co-operation between Chinese and French enterprises.
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