BMW Taps Durr for Paint Shop Projects

BMW hires engineering firm Durr to build a new paint shop and expand an existing one in Shenyang, China, and to build the paint shop in a new plant in Debrecen, Hungary.  

The German automaker has operated a Durr paint shop at its plant in Shenyang’s Dadong district since 2016 and is increasing its capacity. In Shenyang’s Tiexi district, where BMW has used Durr painting technology since 2013, the automaker will build a new manufacturing facility and already is planning a second expansion stage that Durr will complete. 

BMW says construction of the Debrecen plant is to begin in the spring.

The application step of BMW’s Integrated Painting Process in all three paint shops will be handled by Durr painting robots with EcoBell3 high-rotation atomizers. A total of 165 painting robots and 90 sealing robots from Durr will paint and seal BMW models in the three plants. 

“Integrated supply systems for the paints and sealers used as well as a paint mixing room will ensure an efficient paint supply in the standard color palette,” Durr says in a news release.

“Durr will install the EcoSupply P system for supplying special colors. Pigging systems will transport the special colors to the paint booth – with almost zero losses. The coordinated application technology will minimize paint and solvent consumption and ensure fast color changes.” 

BMW will use sustainable, resource-saving technology throughout the three new paint shops, Durr says. 

The new plant in Shenyang’s Tiexi district, and the topcoat section in Debrecen, will use Durr’s EcoInCure oven. EcoInCure uses new technology for drying: Air flowing in through the opening for the windshield heats the body parts from the inside out, resulting in uniform heat distribution and improved curing of the bodies – “even special body shapes like those of electric vehicles,” Durr says.