Gestamp’s Paul Belanger on reducing EV production costs with giga-stamping and cross-functional collaboration

We spoke with Paul Belanger, Director of R&D North America at Gestamp, during the Automotive Evolution NA conference 2024. Paul discussed the importance of affordability in EV production and how Gestamp is tackling this challenge through innovative cost-cutting strategies.

“Our approach to affordability is through giga-stamping,” Paul explained, describing how this method consolidates multiple parts using existing hot stamping equipment, which reduces production costs without requiring significant capital investments. This contrasts with gigacasting, which involves a higher upfront cost but similar part consolidation goals.

A key aspect of Belanger’s strategy is close collaboration with OEMs. “We get involved early in the design process,” he noted, explaining that this allows Gestamp to validate new innovations and ensure they’re ready for production. Paul also highlighted Gestamp’s multi-platform architecture approach, which enables rapid concept testing across various vehicle segments, supporting more efficient product development.

Looking ahead, Paul believes that part consolidation through giga-stamping will be critical to keeping EV production costs down in North America, an essential factor for broad EV adoption.