Brose Continues North American Expansion
Supplies Mercedes-Benz From New Tuscaloosa, Alabama Manufacturing Facility
VANCE, Ala., May 5 -- Brose, a global leader in vehicle window regulators, door, seat and closure systems, announced the grand opening of its newest North American manufacturing facility, Brose Tuscaloosa, Inc. The facility will provide door systems for the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class and R-Class vehicles.
Brose has invested more than $25 million in the development of the 75,000 square-foot facility, located approximately one mile from Mercedes-Benz United States International Inc. (MBUSI).
"Our partnership with MBUSI is another chapter in the long-standing, global relationship that Brose has experienced with Mercedes-Benz over the last 75 years," said Kurt Sauernheimer, executive vice president, Brose Group. "We look forward to continuing that relationship in Tuscaloosa." In January 2005, DaimlerChrysler recognized Brose with the 2004 Global Supplier Award in the "exteriors" category. Nine out of 500 suppliers worldwide were recognized for their outstanding performance in quality, system cost, technology and supply.
"Congratulations to our friends at Brose, you have done a great job launching this plant," said William Taylor, president and CEO, MBUSI. "We know you will be one of our strongest partners and we want to thank you very much."
Brose Tuscaloosa, Inc. has been ramping up production for the new M and R- Class Mercedes Benz vehicles since late 2004. The door systems provided to MBUSI are distinguished by up to 250 door module variations, offering a wide variety of functions and comfort to the user. The door system includes the window regulator and electronics, latch system, wire harness, speaker, handle bracket, keyless antenna, pressure sensor and a variety of smaller parts. Additionally, a sealed carrier plate within the module separates the wet and dry side of the door. This wet/dry side separation provides 100 percent sealing against humidity, dust and infiltration, as well as improved acoustics.
By the end of this year, Brose expects to employ 90 team members at the facility to meet production demands. It is estimated that by the end of 2006 the facility will be capable of producing up to 720,000 door systems per year.
"The opening of Brose Tuscaloosa enables us to provide quality door system technology to Mercedes in an efficient timetable for manufacturing operations," said Gerardo Rojas, managing director, Brose Tuscaloosa, Inc. "We would like to thank the local community that has embraced Brose, particularly our excellent employees who enable us to provide quality products and exceptional customer service."
Additionally, the company recently completed construction on an 81,000 square-foot North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., which is the central hub for all Brose North American engineering, sales and technology development. "We plan to build on the success of our other North American operations, and look forward to increasing our business with DaimlerChrysler in the United States," said Jan Kowal, president, Brose North America. Another manufacturing facility is under construction in London, Ontario, Canada and is expected to open later this year.
About Brose
Brose supplies intelligent systems and modules for vehicle doors and seats to more than 40 OEMs and Tier One manufacturers worldwide. With almost 40 locations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa and a staff of more than 8,600 globally, Brose offers quality window regulators, door systems, seat adjuster and closure systems to OEMs everywhere. For more information, visit http://www.brose.net/ .
NOTE TO EDITORS: Door module photography, more detailed technical information and interviews are available. Please contact Bryan Russell, Brose North America, +1-248-339-4115 or bryan.russell@brose.net , with requests.
