The leading automotive and commercial vehicle interiors supplier, International Automotive Components (IAC), recently opened two new facilities in support of regional automotive hubs, one in New Delhi and the other in Pune. Company officials first dedicated a new facility which complements IAC’s current Manesar manufacturing operation, and then followed it up later by dedicating a new 80,000-sq.ft. manufacturing, design and technical center at Chakan, near Pune.
The new Chakan facility enables IAC to expand its local manufacturing support to its growing customer base in the region, with vehicle majors like Mahindra and Mahindra, Mahindra Trucks and Buses Ltd., Volkswagen, Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles and Fiat. The facility utilizes IAC’s consistent global engineering, program management and lean manufacturing systems.
“Since establishment in 2007, IAC has not wavered from our commitment to India’s automotive industry and the OEMs in the region. In return, our customers have elected to align and grow together with IAC, and for that we are very grateful,” said Mr. James Kamsickas, IAC President and Chief Executive Officer. “Any great team starts with great people. The dedicated women and men of IAC India and the supporting global team members have turned what was only a vision a few years back into a reality today. We look forward to providing our customer partners the continued support they require to compete in the competitive automotive industry in India and globally.”
This is IAC’s second manufacturing facility in Pune district. The original facility, IAC Chakan I, is located on the Mahindra and Mahindra manufacturing campus dedicated to M&M vehicle lines for supply of interior and exterior components. Chakan II is a multi-customer facility that supplies a wide range of products, including headliners, instrument panels, door panels, center consoles and exterior trim.
IAC has successfully evolved its core design, engineering and manufacturing competencies to support the global automotive industry. These competencies have served as enablers to implement an extremely sophisticated operating system throughout India and the world. IAC India’s domestic and global off-shore design and engineering operations are also located within the IAC Chakan Plant II.
The fourth IAC facility in India, will employ more than 170 skilled professionals in production, engineering and administrative roles by the year end. In addition to the existing 80,000 sq. ft., the company has set aside space for future growth. The plant utilizes world-class manufacturing processes consistent with IAC’s global manufacturing and assembly footprint.
“In today’s global economy, our customers’ success depends on transnational, refined suppliers to support their regional and global needs and this new facility showcases how IAC fulfills these needs in India and across the globe,” said Mr. Gajanan Gandhe, Vice President of South Asia for IAC. “IAC’s rapid expansion in the region remains a priority as we continue supporting our growing global customer base.”
Supporting India’s northern automotive region, the new International Automotive Components Manesar Plant II will complement the current manufacturing operation, comprising a total of 60,000 sq.ft. between both locations. IAC Manesar produces headliners, flooring, floor consoles, instrument panel components and interior soft trim products for customers like Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles.