Oxford-based company YASA, known worldwide for developing axial flux electric motor technology, has invested £12 million to upgrade its manufacturing facility in Yarnton. This expansion will increase production capacity to over 25,000 units per year. The investment aims to set new standards in electric motor technology and quality.
YASA leads the global electric vehicle industry by advancing the design, development, and production of axial flux motors. Their motors deliver up to four times the performance of other electric motors currently available.
Tim Woolmer, YASA’s CTO and founder, said, “We have opened the world’s most advanced axial-flux electric motor manufacturing facility, which is also the UK’s first axial-flux super factory. This marks a new chapter in how we operate.”
He added, “With this multi-million-pound investment, we have transformed our manufacturing capabilities and greatly increased our production capacity. This will allow us to apply our technology faster, more precisely, and on a larger scale. As part of the Mercedes-Benz Group, this upgraded factory strengthens YASA’s position as a global leader in high-performance, efficient axial-flux e-motors.”
Woolmer reflected on YASA’s journey: “We began as a small Oxford University start-up, but our passion and determination to develop the world’s most advanced electric mobility technology remain strong.”
The new 60,000-square-foot facility uses advanced manufacturing technologies tailored to YASA’s needs. It features four new coil and bar production cells with state-of-the-art CNC coil winding, assembly, and impregnation processes. Other upgrades include laser stripping and brazing, improved rotor balancing, high-capacity ovens, stator laser welding, and comprehensive quality control testing.
A Seamless Manufacturing Process
The facility’s design allows all production steps to happen under one roof, creating a smooth manufacturing process. Automation has been significantly increased, and production lines are now highly efficient. These improvements will help YASA produce complete motor sets with better repeatability and reliability. The factory is also more flexible, reducing supply chain bottlenecks.
Richard Firmstone, YASA’s operations director, explained, “We redesigned our manufacturing to improve workflow, safety, quality, and efficiency. Our processes now allow full traceability of materials and production steps. This flexibility helps us manage risks and adapt quickly to changes in customer demand.”
Andy North, YASA’s commercial director, added, “Our technical advances give us an edge over traditional radial flux motors. We can deliver more compact and lightweight electric propulsion systems. This positions YASA better than ever to serve top car makers like Ferrari and Lamborghini, as well as new clients worldwide.”
YASA originally developed its Yarnton facility with support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC). Although the recent expansion was privately funded, YASA continues to collaborate with the APC to develop next-generation axial flux technology. This partnership helps keep cutting-edge electric motor innovation firmly based in the UK.
Joerg Miska, YASA’s CEO, said, “This upgraded facility is a major step in our plan to grow our product range and customer base. The new super factory offers more flexibility, efficiency, and quality. Thanks to their compact design and strong torque, YASA motors are ideal for high-performance hybrid and fully electric vehicles, as well as other sectors.”
