MANN+HUMMEL Selects Site for Expansion in Mexico

TLALNEPANTLA, Mexico, Nov. 12, 2003 -- MANN+HUMMEL, a major automotive parts supplier, will double its manufacturing operations in Mexico with a new production center in Queretaro, Mexico.

Construction recently began on the 150,000 square-foot (13,900 square- meter) facility scheduled for completion next summer, according to Steffen Schneider, president of MANN+HUMMEL Mexico. The expansion represents an investment of nearly $15 million over three years and will result locally in as many as 100 new jobs by 2005. It will replace the company's current manufacturing facility in Tlalnepantla that has 150 employees.

Earlier this year, the company announced plans to expand its operations in Mexico. The Queretaro site is located in an industrial park on eight acres (3.6 hectares) of land that is roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Tlalnepantla. Employees at the Tlalnepantla facility will have an opportunity to move to the new location.

Schneider said, "The Queretaro site offered the most flexibility for immediate construction and future expansion. It will easily accommodate our projected growth and the needs of our customers."

The need for a larger facility is the result of both current and newly- awarded business from customers such as Volkswagen of Mexico, General Motors, Ford, Volvo, DaimlerChrysler and Nissan-Renault.

Schneider said the company expects to triple its sales in Mexico over the next several years and add to the components currently produced there, including air cleaners, filter elements and design air cleaners, as well as introduce new products such as engine oil modules and coolant surge tanks.

"The expansion of our operations in Mexico allows us to leverage our manufacturing capabilities there and introduce more innovative products to our customers in North America," said Claude Mathieu, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL's North American operations. "We have aggressive plans for MANN+HUMMEL's growth in North America and this is a key step in that process."

About MANN+HUMMEL

The MANN+HUMMEL Group is an international company. In 2002, the company achieved sales of $1.1 billion. The MANN+HUMMEL Group currently employs around 8,800 people at 41 locations worldwide. The company develops, produces and sells technically complex automotive components such as air filter systems, intake manifold systems, liquid filter systems and cabin filters for the automotive industry, and filter elements for vehicle servicing and repair. For general engineering, process engineering and industrial manufacturing sectors, the company's product range includes industrial filters, filter systems and materials handling systems and equipment. MANN+HUMMEL's customers come from a large number of sectors, with series production for the automotive industry occupying a key position. Further information about MANN+HUMMEL can be found under http://www.mann-hummel.com/ .