Faurecia opens new plant and TechCenter in Limeira (Brazil) for emissions control technologies

Limeira (Brazil), July 5, 2012

Faurecia opens new plant and TechCenter in Limeira (Brazil) for emissions control technologies

Faurecia, the world's sixth largest automotive equipment supplier, today inaugurated in Limeira (State of São Paulo, Brazil) its largest emissions control technologies production facility in South America, an associated state-of-the-art TechCenter and the product group's headquarters for South America. The TechCenter offers advanced engineering and development activities for South America-based automakers. The inauguration took place in the presence of dignitaries from the Brazilian National, State and regional authorities.

The new plant and TechCenter received a total investment of BRL 60 million and occupies a total productive surface of 30,000 m², offering a total annual manufacturing capacity in Brazil to be mounted on 1.4 million passenger vehicles and 60,000 commercial vehicles. These equipments follow the latest environmental regulations applicable in the various South American automotive markets served by Faurecia.

The manufacturing plant is equipped with all leading-edge technologies to produce complete emissions control systems and components, for both passenger and commercial vehicles, following the current and future Euro 5 (P7) emissions regulations. Likewise, the new production unit will be able to adapt to the evolution of Brazil's automotive market with medium-term growth trends.

The new Limeira plant is producing emissions control parts such as manifolds, catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters and mufflers, as well as complete systems, using state-of-the-art welding processes. The production also includes the supply of components to the Group's units operating as just-in-time (JIT) plants, located in the immediate vicinity of automaker plants, delivering finished products in sequence.

The entire production is based on the Faurecia Excellence System, and uses lean manufacturing processes, giving the plant world-class performance and competitiveness levels. All emissions control technologies plants in Brazil operate at the highest quality levels, with single digit ppm (defect parts per million produced).

Speaking on the occasion, Yann Delabrière, Chairman and CEO of President of Faurecia said, "Faurecia is growing faster than the automotive market, enjoys solid growth potential, benefits from a diverse customer mix and is continuously improving its cost structure. Our new plant and TechCenter in Brazil are a further extension of our commitment to the Brazilian and South American consumers and our growing customer base in the region. Our aim is to develop and manufacture the highest quality emissions control systems in the region."

The new plant and TechCenter are part of a global network of emissions control manufacturing and R&D centers around the world, under the helm of Jean-Marc Hannequin, Executive Vice President of Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies who underlines, "Our leading market positions worldwide for emissions control systems will be further reinforced by the new plant and TechCenter, at the heart of the South American market, serving passenger and commercial vehicles manufacturers alike. The TechCenter offers the most-advanced skills to perform the full-range of development activities for customers in Brazil and Argentina."

Thierry Depoux, Division Vice President^[1] of Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies reveals "The new TechCenter and plant in Limeira are an instrumental part of our global R&D, engineering and industrial footprint to better serve our growing customer base in Brazil and Argentina. Brazil, in particular, is a strong growth market, where Faurecia expects to continue expanding its customer base over the coming years and adapting its products to new emissions regulations soon to be applicable in the country. This new plant serves our increasing network of JIT plants around the country to supply car makers with the highest quality products."

Starting this new plant is part of Faurecia's expansion plan in Brazil, and its commitment with creating environmentally efficient, lighter and safer vehicles.

Faurecia in Brazil
Faurecia started its Brazil operations in 1997, and is headquartered in Limeira (Emissions Control Technologies) and in São Paulo (Interior, Seating & Exterior). Faurecia also has 18 production facilities covering the main Brazilian automotive production base and employs over 4,000 people in the country. In Brazil, Faurecia serves leading automobile companies like Citroën, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen. Faurecia also serves commercial vehicles such as medium and heavy load trucks, thanks to its global partner Cummins with an objective to capture a major share of the Brazilian truck emissions control market.

Research & Development
Faurecia's Research & Development teams deliver solutions to tackle the automotive challenges in today's and tomorrow's world. Two closely related areas are kept firmly under the spotlight in all R&D activities: creating value for the end consumer and contributing towards environmental performance. Innovation drives each of Faurecia's core businesses, supported by 84,000 employees at 270 sites and 40 R&D centers in 33 countries. In 2011, the Group invested around 5% of its revenues into R&D, with EUR 100 million for innovation alone. With 5,000 dedicated engineers and technicians, Faurecia offers the best support for its customers in the key automotive regions of the world. From such efforts, Faurecia registers some 300 new patents every year.

About Faurecia

Contacts