Thyssenkrupp in talks with with Tesla over Berlin gigafactory

German multinational thyssenkrupp has been in advanced stage talks with California-based Tesla over providing services to the company's first European e-vehicle manufacturing facility, according to comments made by a board member to German daily Handelsblatt.

After nearly three years of speculation, it was announced last month by Tesla CEO Elon Musk that the new Tesla facility, or gigafactory, was to be built just outside Berlin. 

“Everyone knows that German engineering is outstanding, for sure. That’s part of the reason why we are locating our Gigafactory Europe in Germany,” said Musk at the Golden Steering Wheel Award ceremony in Berlin, where he announced the move.

The news that the two companies were in talks came when thyssenkrupp board member Klaus Keysberg said in an interview Handelsblatt that: “We are in talks over carrying out certain services."

Mr Keysberg declined to further elucidate what this could mean, but as one of the world's largest steel producers, thyssenkrupp well-placed to offer its services. 

The new gigafactory will be both a manufacturing hub and design centre, producing a range of products from batteries, to gears to the electric cars themselves. The new facility will also provide the US-based eMobility pioneer with a much anticipated "Made in Germany" label.

Thyssenkrupp makes everything from elevators and submarines to car parts, steel and fertilisers.

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