Around 50 experts from the automotive industry wishing to learn about techniques and new technologies for manufacturing automotive interior trim parts visited the Technology Day Automotive, which took place at the new Kiefel-SWA-ALBA Technology Centre in Livonia, MI.

The presentations focused on the latest technologies in thermoforming and also included solutions for interior trim assembly.

Beneficial acquisition

On the occasion of the event Kiefel, a leader in the manufacture of machines for processing plastic film materials, announced its acquisition of SWA, a company well-known to vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

The company develops and produces tools, machines and systems for the manufacture of vehicle interior, exterior and acoustic insulation parts.

Together with SWA, the complete Kiefel technology range will now also include die cutting and pressing technologies and furthermore competence in press laminating and pressing natural fibres, as well as in the corresponding tool making areas.

Strategic alliance

ALBA, another Kiefel partner, provides special expertise in front-foaming and back-foaming tools and also leather back-foaming tools.

Like Kiefel and SWA, ALBA will also have a range of lab machines in the Technology Center in order to fulfil the demanding requirements for pilot series and prototyping.

With this strategic alliance the three companies are able to provide a one stop centre for the automotive interior sector.

Kiefel

Kiefel is a leader in the design and manufacture of machines used to process plastic film materials. The company offers core expertise in the fields of forming and joining technology. It services customers in the automotive, medical technology, refrigerator and packaging industries.

The company employs around 450 people at is headquartered in Freilassing, Germany. Kiefel is globally present thanks to own sales and service branches in the USA, France, the Netherlands, Russia, China, Brazil, Indonesia and India, as well as sales partners in more than 60 countries.

The company is part of the Brückner group, based in Siegsdorf, which is a leader in supplying machines and systems for manufacturing plastic.

www.kiefel.com