IAC Opens Chongqing Facility To Support Continued Business Growth In China

CHONGQING, China, April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- International Automotive Components (IAC) today celebrated the opening of its 10th and newest manufacturing facility in China, in the Southwest city of Chongqing.

The new facility marks yet another milestone in IAC's continued growth in Asia and further underscores Chongqing's reputation as an emerging automotive hub. IAC Chongqing also marks the company's first wholly-owned facility in the country since it began operations there more than six years ago.

IAC's rapid expansion in the Asia-Pacific region continues to be a priority as the company continues to support its growing global customer base. The new operation marks the company's second  manufacturing location in Chongqing, but will consolidate both locations, growing the total number of IAC manufacturing facilities in Asia to 17, supported by six technical and engineering centers.

"IAC's Chongqing facility is a testament to this company's commitment and dedication to our customers as they continue to expand in this growing region," said Jim Kamsickas, President and Chief Executive Officer of IAC. "We look forward to bringing innovative technologies and interior solutions to customers here as we continue to broaden our footprint in the world's largest automotive market."

The new facility supplies both the Ford Kuga and Ford Mondeo door panel and floor console assemblies, along with instrument panels, cockpits modules, finish trim panels and ducts for the Ford Mondeo. Additionally, IAC Chongqing supplies door panel assemblies, glove boxes and instrument panels for the Volvo S80L and will begin manufacturing instrument panel trim components for a new Suzuki model later this year.

The Chongqing facility is a greenfield operation and employs approximately 275 associates in a variety of positions. The 10,400 square meter plant employs world-class manufacturing processes consistent with IAC's global manufacturing and assembly footprint. This new facility, in support of IAC's customers, was designed and prepared for production in approximately 20 months, quickly becoming an industry benchmark for delivering excellent manufacturing quality, flexibility and service to customers in the region. 

The Chongqing facility is the first in Asia to introduce FastKast™, IAC's proprietary A-surface material manufacturing process. FastKast™ incorporates thermoplastic polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride resins in conjunction with IAC's advanced process development, which enhances product quality, improved tactile feel and aesthetics on instrument panels and other interior trim components. Late last year, FastKast™ debuted in support of Ford business at IAC's manufacturing site in Bals, Romania. 

Additional capabilities in Chongqing include seamless airbag scoring, foaming, roll-coating, lamination, various welding techniques, punch trimming, vacuum forming and cut and sew. The facility is also equipped with a full test lab capable of airbag deployment validation testing, material and environmental testing and precision Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) data collection.

IAC's presence in the Asia-Pacific region has expanded  to include design and technical facilities and joint ventures in key markets including China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. This network supports a broad customer base that includes multinational and domestic OEMs around the world. IAC's Asian headquarters are located in Shanghai.

IAC customers, suppliers, government and industry representatives joined IAC employees and executives for the dedication ceremony today.

ABOUT IAC
IAC is a leading global supplier of automotive components and systems, including interior and exterior trim. IAC's 2012 sales were $4.7 billion. The company operates 78 manufacturing facilities in 18 countries. IAC employs approximately 26,000 people around the world and is headquartered in Luxembourg. For more information, visit www.iacgroup.com.

SOURCE International Automotive Components