TACNA International Corporation Announces New Acquisition of Assets

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Jan 20, 2010, 08:35 ET

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego-based TACNA International Corporation (TACNA), a manufacturer of various products including automotive trim, today announced that it has acquired the assets of Rocklin, California-based UpGrade Auto Products ("Upgrade"), a manufacturer of molded dash kits. Upgrade will be consolidated into TACNA's B&I division, which itself was acquired just over one year ago.

Upgrade is known for its quality products and impressive application depth, with over 365 molded dash kit applications dating back to 1995. "Our customers have been asking us to expand our molded line for years and this acquisition does just that, almost overnight. It's a very exciting time," said Henry R., B&I's director of sales and marketing.

With the acquisition, B&I has the largest interior trim product offering in the auto aftermarket. Products now include: molded dash kits (over 425 applications), real wood & synthetic flat dash kits (over 3200 applications), combo dash kits, wood & leather-wrapped steering wheels, wood & leather-wrapped grab handles, and custom part dipping (hydrographics).

B&I plans to use its proprietary and rapid, yet low-cost, mold-making process to expand the new molded dash kit line, starting with the 2009-2010 Dodge Ram, already under development and scheduled for release shortly after the transition is complete. Historically, molded dash kits have been offered in a limited number of wood or sport finishes. B&I will now offer its molded products in up to 17 different finishes.

"The expansion into a molded dash line is the fulfillment of a commitment made to our customers when we acquired B&I. In addition to the new molded dash line, plans are in motion to offer other new products in the coming months," said Ross Baldwin, President of TACNA.

About B&I

B&I has been serving the auto aftermarket worldwide with quality interior and exterior trim accessories for over 22 years. Customers range from mobile installers to warehouse distributors to car manufacturers and more.

About the TACNA Group

TACNA International Corporation was originally formed in 1984 to provide support services for manufacturing companies looking to improve their market positions through low-cost manufacturing in Mexico. Throughout the years, TACNA and its affiliates have successfully expanded operations to include manufacturing of automotive trim products, silicone rubber hoses, magnetic components, distribution of industrial supplies and providing of manufacturing services. The TACNA group of companies employs over 1,250 people in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.