It's not widely known amongst the general public, but Porsche frequently contracts out its actual production. In the past, Porsche relied on Finnish independent vehicle manufacturer Valmet to build its Boxster and Cayman models, though for the latest generation Porsche decided to move production back to its main facilities in Zuffenhausen, Germany.

However, with demand for the new car proving quite strong, and for good reason, Porsche has called on its parent company Volkswagen for additional capacity. That additional capacity has come from the former Karmann plant in Osnabrück, Germany, where more mundane models like the Golf Convertible are built.

Today, the first Porsche Boxster has rolled off the line at the Osnabrück plant, an event celebrated by Porsche CEO Matthias Müller as well as Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn. The particular car was a red Boxster S with a contrasting black roof. It will now be heading to a customer in Bavaria, Germany.

The plant at Osnabrück, which was acquired by Volkswagen following Karmann’s bankruptcy in 2009, can look back on a long tradition of convertible and small series production. The plant has already produced a number of Porsche models in the past, including the 914 (from 1969 to 1976) and the 968 (from 1991 to 1994). Other models formerly built at the site include the Karmann Ghia and even a Merkur.

The total capacity of the plant is about 100,000 vehicles per year, including the body, paint and assembly shops. The headcount at Volkswagen's Osnabrück plant is currently more than 1,800.

Next for Osnabrück will likely be production of the next-generation Porsche Cayman, which is still in development.