Magna International Inc., the world’s most diverse automotive supplier, announced the opening of its Technoplast facility in Kaluga, Russia.
Magna, represented by: Manfred Eibeck, Executive Vice-President Magna Europe and President, Magna Russia; Hubert Hödl, Vice-President Corporate Marketing & Business Development, Europe; and Erwin Winkler, President, Magna Exteriors & Interiors Europe, was joined in a grand opening ceremony with Anatoly Artamanov, Governor of Kaluga Region.
The Technoplast facility, which is a division of Magna Exteriors and Interiors, covers a production area of 15.000 square meters and currently employs 200 people. It is expected that the employee number will increase to approximately 340 people once the facility reaches full production in 2012.
“The automotive market in Russia plays a significant role in our overall global growth strategy of developing business in key growth markets,” said Erwin Winkler. “As OEMs focus on global expansion, the expectation is that their global suppliers are positioned to support them in all regions of the world.”
This new facility is integrated in the Kaluga automotive cluster and produces bumpers, front end modules, radiator grilles (assembly) and instrument panel-beams (assembly) for OEM customers such as Volkswagen/Skoda, PSA and Renault.
“We want to thank the federal and local authorities for their continued support of Magna and their ongoing commitment to the automotive industry in Russia,” said Manfred Eibeck. “Together we are pleased to be able to bring additional jobs and investment to the Kaluga area.”
Technoplast represents Magna’s fifth operation site in Russia. The other sites include three facilities located in the St. Petersburg region and the other located in Nizhny Novgorod. Magna currently employs approximately 600 people in Russia and expects to double that number once the new facilities are fully operational.
About Magna International
Magna International (www.magna.com) becomes the most diversified global automotive supplier. They design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of cars and light trucks. Magna’s capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.
The company has approximately 90,000 employees in 242 manufacturing operations and 76 product development and engineering centers in 25 countries.