From Sketch to Global Icon: The Genesis of Porsche's Zuffenhausen Factory

In November 1937, Porsche laid the foundation for its future in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, marking the inception of a factory that would become synonymous with high-performance sports cars. This pivotal moment in 1937 saw the first plans drawn for a facility that has since grown into a sprawling production hub, a testament to Porsche's enduring legacy and evolution from an engineering office to a multinational automotive powerhouse.

Key Takeaways

• The Porsche factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen originated from a sketch in 1937.

• The initial site was designed with employee recreational facilities in mind.

• The factory has expanded significantly over the decades, now covering over 600,000 square meters.

• It has been the production site for iconic models like the 356 and the 911.

• The Zuffenhausen plant has continuously evolved, embracing modern production techniques for vehicles like the all-electric Taycan.

The Dawn of a New Era

In 1937, the Porsche engineering office, which had been developing innovative automotive solutions, recognized the need for a dedicated production facility. The existing workshops at the Porsche villa were insufficient for the growing demands. Ferry Porsche secured land in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen from the Wolff entrepreneur family, with architect Richard Pfob tasked with the design. The initial vision included a three-story brick building at its core, complemented by extensive parks and sports facilities for employees, featuring a 100-meter track, jumping areas, a swimming pool, and sunbathing spots.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Production

Despite the ambitious plans for recreational amenities, the primary focus remained on establishing the factory. On June 26, 1938, 176 employees relocated from downtown Stuttgart to the new Zuffenhausen site, which became the headquarters for Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG. The onset of World War II necessitated a temporary move to Gmünd, Austria, where the first 52 units of the 356 model were produced. Upon returning to Stuttgart, the factory was occupied by Allied forces, leading to engine assembly and production being shifted to the Reutter Plant II across the street, while Reutter was commissioned for body construction. The first Porsche 356 was ultimately completed in Zuffenhausen on April 6, 1950, marking a significant milestone. By the conclusion of its production in 1965, approximately 78,000 vehicles had rolled off the line at this location.

Expansion and Evolution

Due to delays in the handover of the original building by the US military administration, a second plant, designed by architect Rolf Gutbrod, commenced operations in 1952. Plant 3 was acquired in 1960, housing sales, customer service, and the central spare parts warehouse. A major expansion occurred in 1963 when Porsche acquired Karosseriewerk Reutter, doubling its workforce to around 2,000 employees. This same year saw the production of the first 911, initially designated as the 901. The success of the 911 spurred further growth, leading to the construction of Plant 5 in the 1980s for flexible body construction, featuring the distinctive conveyor bridge over Schwieberdinger Strasse. The 2010s brought another significant transformation with the integration of production for the all-electric Taycan in 2019, incorporating new facilities such as a body shop, paint shop, and assembly building. Today, the Zuffenhausen site stands as a sophisticated production center, harmonizing advanced technology with craftsmanship and catering to both series production and bespoke vehicle customization.