German manufacturer, Carthago, has opened its second plant in Slovenia. We take a look at the new Malibu Vans factory’s environmental credentials
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Surrounded by green fields, trees and lakes, the new Malibu Vans factory is in exactly the sort of location you might want to visit in your brand-new camper.
So, it’s easy to understand why Carthago put so much emphasis on sustainability and protecting the environment when the plant was being built.
The new€50-million factory, in the northeast Slovenia town of Ormož is highly specialised and is fitted out with state-of-the-art production facilities.
Covering an area of approximately 100,000 square metres, it is expected to create 300 jobs by the end of 2024 and has the capacity to build around 3,000 Malibu Vans a year. The manufacturing facilities include a joinery, pre-assembly and assembly facilities and full logistical support.
Production at the new plant began last year with the top-of-the-range, Fiat Ducato-based, Malibu first class – two rooms 640 LE RB. As the name would suggest, this has a top-notch build quality and a clever ‘two rooms’ design, which effectively divides the campervan into two separate areas – with a lounge/diner and kitchen up front and en suite bedroom with changing area at the rear.
But the positive economic impact of the new plant has not been allowed to compromise Carthago’s commitment to the environmment.
Eco-friendly features abound. About a third of the factory site consists of green areas. The LED lighting saves energy and the power supply comes from a combined heat and power plant and a solar p
