Siemens plans to build a new digital factory from scratch in the western industrial area of Sibiu, after obtaining the necessary permits, based on a strategic investment decision for the production of Sentron low-voltage equipment in Romania, the company told us.
The investment, worth several tens of millions of euros, targets a distinct Siemens business unit, with a specific product portfolio and its own operational footprint and is not related to other production activities. This investment reflects a long-term industrial strategy, addressed to specific market segments. Siemens Digital Twin technology will be used for the virtual planning and optimization of the production area of the new factory covering an area of 14,500 m². The production processes will be carbon neutral, optimized and with reduced energy consumption. The full integration of automation, robotics, AI and IoT will cover every stage of production — from component handling to final assembly and testing.
Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 and is expected to be completed by 2028, subject to receipt of all necessary permits and approvals. The planned new facility will have an area of approximately 14,500 m² and will be developed in partnership with WDP under a long-term lease agreement, in full compliance with local laws and regulations.
The planned factory in Sibiu is designed to be a data-driven production environment, built on Siemens’ own technologies and solutions. Prior to construction, the production area is expected to be virtually designed using Siemens Digital Twin technology – enabling precise simulation and optimization of equipment locations, workflows and production processes to determine the best possible configuration.
The portfolio that will be available in the new plant will include the SENTRON low-voltage product range for protection, switching, measurement and monitoring (such as miniature circuit breakers, residual current devices, residual current devices with overcurrent protection and electronic circuit protection devices) for industrial and residential use.
Siemens is planning for intelligent and highly flexible production, in which artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role. The focus will be on seamless data networking and intelligent control, from raw material procurement through assembly and testing to final delivery. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) will transport materials to the production lines completely autonomously. The integration of automation and robotics is also part of the strategy.
In addition to increased efficiency, Siemens also expects increased flexibility, which will allow for rapid reactions to changing conditions and meet future customer requirements.
Sustainability is set to be a central element in the way this factory is built and operates. The facility is designed to operate on a carbon-neutral basis, with energy efficiency built into all manufacturing processes. Skylights equipped with tubular daylighting devices are planned to channel natural sunlight directly into the production area through highly reflective tubes, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Upon completion, a photovoltaic system is planned to be installed on the roof, with solar energy produced on site to be used directly, and the remaining electricity to be purchased from sustainable suppliers.
The factory is designed as an ergonomic and digitally connected workspace, designed for collaboration and continuous learning. Dedicated training spaces are planned to help employees develop skills in automation, data analytics and continuous professional development. The modern offices and common spaces are also designed to ensure full accessibility, including for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
