Press Release
Seating division of the leading automotive technology company makes the strategic acquisition of Vector Automotive iP6
Paris, February 20, 2019 – Lectra proves its long-term commitment to Faurecia, one of the world’s leading automotive technology companies, with the conclusive results of a three-month evaluation of its zero-buffer fabric cutting solution in a real working environment, culminating in the purchase of a Vector® Automotive iP6. Growth at Faurecia’s automotive seating plant in Tălmaciu, Romania prompted the supplier to maximize material efficiency by optimizing cutting room processes. The Tălmaciu plant manufactures seat sets for high-end German automakers using costly high-end upholstery materials.
The positive trial outcome has led Faurecia to acquire the Vector Automotive iP6 outright, and to continue working together with Lectra toward achieving greater material savings. The next phase of the operational excellence project is to focus on improving material efficiency for more technically challenging materials. Lectra and Faurecia’s business partnership reaches back 10 years. To date, Faurecia has installed a broad range of Vector fabric cutting solutions worldwide. Since 2016, Lectra has supported Faurecia in its digital manufacturing transformation initiative through the supply of Industry 4.0 solutions.
Launched in September 2019, the Vector Automotive iP series is the first zero-buffer cutting solution on the market for fabric and vinyl. It was developed by Lectra in direct response to the cost pressures faced by its automotive customers. Lectra’s new zero-buffer cutting technology can improve both material efficiency and cutting quality, key areas for improvement with the potential to improve suppliers’ bottom line. Constant, real-time control of the equipment and a specially designed cutting blade enable ultraprecise cutting that can contribute to substantial material savings annually. Vector Automotive iP6 and iP9 come equipped with Vector Dashboard, a cloud-based application that allows users to monitor each unit through daily key performance indicators.
“Lectra’s Vector Automotive iP range was designed to help automotive suppliers like Faurecia overcome cost challenges while optimizing quality and reducing lead-time,” states Céline Choussy, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lectra. “We value our longstanding partnership with Faurecia and appreciate their continued trust in our automotive expertise.”
