Autoneum, the leading producer of vehicle acoustics and thermal management systems, has laid the foundation stone for a new plant in the North American growth market of Mexico.

The decisive factor behind the expansion of its production capacities in Mexico is the prevailing high demand from international automobile manufacturers for the lightweight and multifunctional components, the company reports.

“This additional location in Mexico is necessary in order to cope with the high demand of OEMs in North America for our lightweight and multifunctional components. At the same time, we are strengthening our position in this important growth market in line with our strategy”, said Martin Hirzel, Autoneum CEO, at the ground-breaking ceremony in San Luis Potosí.

Expansion

Autoneum is expanding its local presence in Mexico with a third manufacturing location in the North American growth market.

From the start of 2017, carpet systems, inner dashes and floor insulators will be produced at the plant in San Luis Potosí (San Luis Potosí federal state) around 400 km northwest of Mexico City. From the plant measuring 19,000m², Autoneum will supply US and German OEMs producing locally for the North American market.

Strong demand

Autoneum is already represented in Mexico with a manufacturing location in Hermosillo (Sonora federal state) and via its subsidiary UGN with a plant in Silao (Guanajuato federal state).

As well as the locational benefits that Mexico offers due to its NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) membership, the strong need among vehicle manufacturers for noise protection components for the vehicle interior floor is a decisive factor for the expansion of production capacities.

At the same time, Mexico is one of the world’s most dynamic automobile markets: In 2014, 3.2 million light vehicles were produced, with an increase to 4.8 million vehicles expected for 2020.

Autoneum

Autoneum, with its headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is the producer of vehicle acoustics and thermal management systems. The company develops and manufactures components, modules and complete systems for interior and engine bay, as well as heatshields and underbody shields.

Customers include automobile producers in the key markets of Europe, North America, South America and Asia. The company is represented at around 50 locations in over 20 countries and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide.

www.autoneum.com