James Kamsickas, IAC President and Chief Executive Officer
Leading automotive and commercial vehicle interiors supplier, International Automotive Components (IAC),this week opened two new facilities at New Delhi and Pune. Company officials first dedicated a new facility which complements IAC’s current Manesar manufacturing operation, and then followed with today’s dedication of a new 80,000-square-foot Manufacturing, Design & Technical Center in Chakan, India.
The Chakan facility, which is IAC’s second manufacturing facility in Pune district and fourth facility in India overall, will employ more than 170 skilled professionals in production, engineering and administrative roles by year-end. In addition to the existing 80,000 square feet, the company has set aside space for future growth.
The new Chakan facility, located in the automotive hub of Pune, allows IAC to expand its local manufacturing support to its growing customer base in the region, which includes 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, International Automotive Components 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 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.”
The new Chakan facility is referred to as International Automotive Components Chakan Plant II. The original facility, IAC Chakan I, is located on the Mahindra and Mahindra manufacturing campus dedicated to Mahindra and Mahindra vehicle lines for supply of interior and exterior components. Chakan II is a multi-customer facility that supplies a wide range of products including, but not limited to, headliners, instrument panels, door panels, centre consoles and exterior trim.
IAC, the accumulation of financially or operationally distressed companies since 2006, 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 IAC Chakan Plant II.
“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 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 square feet between both locations. IAC Manesar produces headliners, flooring, floor consoles, instrument panel components and interior soft trim products for customers including Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles.
IAC customers, suppliers, government and industry representatives joined IAC employees and executives for both dedication ceremonies.
