German Tier One plans North American expansion

MANN+HUMMEL, a German-based manufacturer of injection and blow-molded integrated air induction systems for the automotive industry has announced plans to more than double its North American sales and manufacturing operations by 2010. Speaking at the recent 2003 SAE World Congress in Detroit, CEO Dr. Dieter Seipler said these plans include major expansions of all three of the company’s manufacturing plants in the United States, as well as a projected addition of capacity at its facility in Tlalnepantla, Mexico. While the company currently has no production capacity in Canada, Seipler said the Tier One has both customers and suppliers located here.
In the U.S., the company is considered an expansion of injection molding operations in South Bend, IN, with the possible addition of two new automotive assembly lines by 2004. It is also considering installing advanced blow-molding technology and capacity in the U.S. This technology will enable the company to produce complex, integrated air-induction systems for North American customers. MANN+HUMMEL’s blow-molded components have captured 10 to 14 percent of the European market for automotive air-induction products, according to the company.