A Win - Win partnership

Ampere Electricity's point of view

Located for over 50 years in the heart of the Béthune-Bruay metropolitan area (Hauts-de-France), the Ruitz Plant, which opened in 1970, has a unique expertise in mechanics. Currently, the site manufactures parts collections (pinions, shafts, satellites) for transmissions and differentials, which are used on all E-TECH vehicles in the Renault range (Clio, Captur, Mégane Estate Arkana and Duster). Since 2022, Renault Group and the Chinese Minth Group have decided to join forces by creating a joint venture called Minth Electricity Technology, which manufactures battery boxes for all the electric vehicles manufactured in France. The directors agreed to answer our questions.

Published on 15.10.2024

Why create a joint venture
between Ampere ElectriCity and Minth Group?

This strategic partnership will help reinforce the ElectriCity industrial hub ecosystem in Hauts-de-France (which includes the Ruitz, Maubeuge and Douai sites) as well as contribute to the development of electric mobility and create new, innovative and valuegenerating activities in France. Battery boxes, which consist of extruded aluminum parts assembled by friction welding that contain the modules that make up the battery, are a strategic component of high-tech electric vehicles. In 2023, the joint venture installed two production lines with a capacity of 300,000 battery boxes per year to equip the electric models manufactured by Ampere ElectriCity, which include the Scenic, the R5 and the future R4. The decision to unite with the Chinese Minth group has enabled the quick set up of a link in the electric vehicle value chain for the production of battery boxes at a competitive cost and with low carbon emissions. Minth Electricity Technology’s decision to set up at the Ruitz site is due in particular to its proximity to the Douai and Maubeuge plants and the creation of the Ampere ElectriCity industrial hub of excellence dedicated to electric vehicles in Hauts-de-France.

Battery boxes are a strategic component of high-tech electric vehicles. The Ruitz Plant, traditionally specialized in the production of automatic transmissions, is truly a key stakeholder in the transition to electric vehicles.

What criteria made Ampere ElectriCity
choose Minth?

Minth is a major international group and is a leading parts manufacturer in the production of battery boxes. The creation of a joint venture allows us to benefit from Renault Group’s and Ampere’s cutting-edge experience in the production of electric vehicles, the technical skills of the Ruitz teams and Minth’s recognized know-how. This win-win partnership confirms our desire to produce popular, affordable and profitable electric vehicles in France for our customers while being a key stakeholder in the ecological transition.

Choosing a joint venture makes it possible to join the complementary forces of both companies.

How did you ensure trust between the two companies
within the Ampere ElectriCity / Minth Group duo?

A joint venture is naturally based on mutual trust. This is reflected by the financial involvement of the two companies and a joint management of the targets to be reached. This trust is also developed on a daily basis thanks to the regular discussions with the teams who work hand in hand.

What are the particularities of an intercultural project such as yours
which blends French and Chinese teams?

First of all, these differences were anticipated by providing training courses on intercultural relations to all the teams so they would be better able to understand each other and their way of doing things. Afterwards, as soon as we spoke about processes and technology, we quickly discovered a common and universal language: the language of industry. However, some employees from both companies had already had international experiences, which facilitated relations. After two years, the assessment of this project is very positive.

The differences were never seen as obstacles, but rather as opportunities to mutually broaden ourselves.

How do you manage in terms of space to accommodate the emergence of electric vehicles
in an environment made for thermal vehicles?

We are particularly attentive to what is called the “rightsizing”, which is the streamlining of space to just the right size. At Ruitz, Minth uses space which has been freed up by the replacement of thermal cars by electric ones. There’s still room for many more projects with future partners.

Ampere's point of view

Guillaume Helas, Director of the Manufacture de Ruitz- Ampere ElectriCity, takes us behind the scenes to explain the importance of the joint venture with Minth for the Renault group.

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