Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently visited the electric car maker's first European plant in Gruenheide, Germany, following a suspected arson attack that disrupted production. The incident, which occurred about a week ago, led to a power outage at the factory located just outside Berlin.
During his visit, Musk engaged in a 'team huddle' with employees at the plant, expressing his enthusiasm by shouting 'Deutschland rocks' or 'Germany rocks' upon arrival. The plant's employee council chief, Michaela Schmitz, confirmed that production resumed after the electricity supply was restored on Monday evening.
Authorities in the state of Brandenburg suspect that the arson attack was a deliberate act, with a far-left organization claiming responsibility. The incident prompted the German federal prosecutor's office to investigate the possibility of involvement by a terrorist organization.
Tesla's Gruenheide plant, inaugurated in March 2022, has been a significant development in the company's expansion strategy, challenging traditional German automakers. Despite the recent setback, Musk reaffirmed plans to expand the facility, including the addition of a freight depot, warehouses, and a kindergarten.
However, these expansion plans have faced opposition from environmental activists and local groups concerned about the impact on the surrounding forest and water supply. The proposed felling of over 100 hectares of forest has sparked protests near the plant.
With approximately 12,500 employees working at the Gruenheide plant, the incident and subsequent resumption of production highlight the challenges and controversies surrounding Tesla's operations in Europe.
