IAC Continues Expansion In India With Dedication Of Two New Facilities
CHAKAN, India, March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading automotive and commercial vehicle interiors supplier, International Automotive Components (IAC), this week celebrated the opening of two new facilities in support of regional automotive hubs in New Delhi and Pune, India. Company officials first dedicated a new facility which complements IAC's current Manesar manufacturing operation, and then followed with today's dedication of a new 80,000-square-foot Manufacturing, Design & Technical Center in Chakan, India.
The new Chakan facility, located in the automotive hub of Pune, allows IAC to expand its local manufacturing support to its growing customer base in the region, which includes Mahindra and Mahindra, Mahindra Trucks and Buses Ltd. Volkswagen, Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles, and Fiat. The facility utilizes IAC's consistent global engineering, program management and lean manufacturing systems.
The new Chakan location, which marks IAC's fourth facility in India overall, will employ more than 170 skilled professionals in production, engineering and administrative roles by year's end. In addition to the existing 80,000 square feet, the company has set aside space for future growth. The plant utilizes world-class manufacturing processes consistent with IAC's global manufacturing and assembly footprint.
"Since establishment in 2007, International Automotive Components has not wavered from our commitment to India's automotive industry and the OEMs in the region. In return, our customers have elected to align and grow together with IAC and for that we are very grateful," said James Kamsickas, IAC President and Chief Executive Officer. "Any great team starts with great people. The dedicated women and men of IAC India and the supporting global team members have turned what was only a vision a few years back, into a reality today. We look forward to providing our customer partners the continued support they require to compete in the competitive automotive industry in India and globally."
The new IAC Chakan facility, referred to as International Automotive Components Chakan Plant II, is IAC's second manufacturing facility in the Pune district. The original facility, IAC Chakan I, is located on the Mahindra and Mahindra manufacturing campus dedicated to Mahindra and Mahindra vehicle lines for supply of interior and exterior components. Chakan II is a multi-customer facility that supplies a wide range of products including, but not limited to, headliners, instrument panels, door panels, center consoles and exterior trim.
IAC, the accumulation of financially or operationally distressed companies since 2006, has successfully evolved its core design, engineering and manufacturing competencies to support the global automotive industry. These competencies have served as enablers to implement an extremely sophisticated operating system throughout India and the world. IAC India's domestic and global off-shore design and engineering operations are also located within IAC Chakan Plant II.
"In today's global economy, our customers' success depends on transnational, refined suppliers to support their regional and global needs and this new facility showcases how IAC fulfills these needs in India and across the globe," said Gajanan Gandhe, vice president of South Asia for IAC. "IAC's rapid expansion in the region remains a priority as we continue supporting our growing global customer base."
Supporting India's northern automotive region, the new International Automotive Components Manesar Plant II will complement the current manufacturing operation, comprising a total of 60,000 square feet between both locations. IAC Manesar produces headliners, flooring, floor consoles, instrument panel components and interior soft trim products for customers including Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles.
IAC customers, suppliers, government and industry representatives joined IAC employees and executives for both dedication ceremonies.
ABOUT IAC
International Automotive Components (IAC) is a leading global supplier of automotive components and systems, including interior and exterior trim. The company's 2013 estimated sales were $5.2 billion. Headquartered in Luxembourg, IAC Group operates 81 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries. The company has approximately 100 total locations in 21 countries, including 22 design, technical and commercial centers, and employs more than 28,000 people globally. For more information, visit www.iacgroup.com.
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