Hella Electronics Continues Rapid Growth in Mexico

SAN JOSE ITURBIDE, Mexico, Nov. 22, 2011  /PRNewswire/ -- Hella has increased the production capacity of its San Jose Iturbide electronics plant this year with a 50,000-square-foot facility expansion.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111116/DE08035LOGO )

The expansion will enable Hella to increase production of transmission range sensors and surface-mount technology products.  Since opening in 2008, the plant's workforce has grown to over 350 employees. Sales levels for the plant have more than doubled in the past two years. The facility currently operates in a three shift pattern.

Located 155 miles north of Mexico City, the San Jose Iturbide plant produces electronics components for U.S., Mexican, Brazilian and Argentinean customers as well as for export to Europe.

"Our San Jose Iturbide plant plays an important part in our strategy to meet customers' needs by manufacturing our products close to their facilities," said Samir Gandhi, managing director, Hella Electronics Mexico.  "Mexico has become an important automotive manufacturing center not only to supply North America but also Central and South America."

The free trade agreement between NAFTA and Mercosur also contributes to Hella Electronics Mexico's strategic position to support growth in Brazil, he added. 

Products manufactured at the facility emphasize Hella's commitment to fuel efficiency, including accelerator pedal sensors, vacuum pumps, washer pumps, transmission range sensors, body controllers and surface mount technology subassemblies.

Future products may include actuators for turbo applications, grille shutter actuators, steering angle sensors and lighting electronics products.     

The plant currently supplies American, Japanese and German original equipment manufacturers as well as a number of Tier 1 suppliers.  It is poised for even greater growth in the next several years based on the production of high-quality, high-technology products for a growing international customer base.  

Hella also produces lighting components at two plants in Guadalajara and another one in Mexico City, supplying products to BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes, Nissan, Volkswagen and others.

About Hella:  Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. develops and manufactures lighting and electronics components and systems for the automotive industry. Its joint venture companies also produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle electric systems. In addition, Hella has one of the largest automotive aftermarket organizations in the world, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries.

Hella Group sales were $6.09 billion in fiscal year 2010-2011. Hella is one of the top 50 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. Nearly 25,000 people work at 70 locations in more than 30 countries, including more than 3,800 research-and-development engineers and technicians. Additional information is available at www.hella.com.

SOURCE Hella Electronics