The Haartz Corp. and TMG Automotive form alliance to accelerate development of innovative auto interior surface technologies for doors and instrument panels

Acton, Massachusetts and V.N. Famalicao, Portugal, April 14 -- The Haartz Corp. (USA) and TMG Automotive (Portugal) have announced an alliance to cooperate in the development of automobile interior surface technology. The partnership agreement will focus on the development of innovative thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) foils and moulding technologies for future door panel and instrument panel programs.

A successful alliance will enable both companies to fulfil the market trends and expectations of a global automotive industry and the "One Interior Concept" - providing capabilities of materials, project management and associated services.

"By combining development resources and ideas, both Haartz and TMG expect to be able to move with greater speed in a very competitive marketplace," said John L. Fox, president of Haartz. "Our customers are demanding sophisticated surface textures, efficient moulding techniques and high performance from their interior materials suppliers. Haartz and TMG have taken a big step forward in meeting these expectations."

"Having similar business ideas and goals, with different but complementary culture, we can exchange knowledge of the market and consumer behaviour, to make product proposals for a worldwide car concept," said Henrique Dionisio, managing director of TMG. "Joining efforts, we will get stronger; keeping independent, we will maintain lean and flexible organisations."

Both Haartz and TMG are actively involved in automotive interiors with a broad product offering, including PVC, TPO, polyurethane and fabric. These materials are also available as foam composites in order to provide a "soft feel."

Haartz is a privately held company based in Acton, Massachusetts. The company also has production facilities at its European operations in Mannheim, Germany. In business since 1907, the company is a leading producer of coated fabrics for convertible topping and foils and composites for automotive interiors.

TMG Automotive is a privately held company and part of the Textil Manuel Goncalves, S.A. group based in V.N. Famalicao, Portugal. Founded in 1937, TMG is a leading company for surface materials for all automotive interiors and for textiles (fashion and technical).

Henrique Dionisio, Managing Director, TMG Automotive, tel +351 (252) 300-545 or email hd@tmg.pt or John L. Fox, President, The Haartz Corp., tel +1-978-264-2609 or email jfox@haartz.com