Siemens Dedicates New Joint Venture Facility With International Engine Corp.
23 October 2000
Siemens Dedicates New Joint Venture Facility With International Engine Corp.
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C., Oct. 23 Siemens Diesel Systems
Technology, LLC (SDST), a joint venture company formed by Siemens Automotive
Corp. and International Engine Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navistar
International Corporation , today dedicated its new 200,500 square
foot facility located in Richland County, S.C. The new operation represents a
combined capital investment of approximately $100 million.
"This state-of-the-art facility will not only manufacture an
environmentally friendlier diesel injector, it will do so in closer harmony
with the natural habitat of Richland County," said SDST President and CEO
Ferol Vernon. "SDST would like to recognize Carlisle Associates and the
University of South Carolina's Department of Mechanical Engineering and School
for Sustainable Studies for helping us build a facility as cutting edge as the
products it will manufacture."
SDST, formed in March 1999, and majority owned by Siemens Automotive, will
manufacture low-pressure, common-rail digital valve fuel injectors for use in
diesel engines designed and manufactured by International Engine Corp. The
diesel injector incorporates proprietary digital valve technology under
license from Sturman Engine Systems, LLC.
"Being a part of SDST and this manufacturing plant complements our
environmental initiatives designed to increase engine performance and respond
to demands for clean air solutions," said Dan Ustian, president, International
Engine Corp.
A key element of International Engine Corp.'s clean diesel environmental
strategy, the electro-hydraulic fuel injection system is scheduled to be ready
for commercial use by 2002. Production levels are expected to reach four
million injectors per year by 2004, establishing SDST as a leader in the North
American market for diesel fuel injectors.
The SDST facility includes 174,500-square-feet of space dedicated to
manufacturing, testing and assembly. An additional 26,000-square-feet houses
administrative and engineering associates. Production is expected to start
March 2001 utilizing an initial workforce of 100 people, with the expectation
to expand to nearly 450 employees by October 2004.
"When I met with Siemens at their headquarters in Germany two years ago, I
knew that this expansion belonged in South Carolina," said South Carolina
Governor Jim Hodges. "Our relationship with them has grown stronger and
deeper as this project has developed and we are delighted that more than 400
South Carolinians will be able to explore new opportunities with them."
Siemens Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive and electrical-
electronic systems and components with applications covering gasoline and
diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body electronics,
electric motor drives and driver information systems. Worldwide sales in
fiscal year 1998/1999 totaled $3.6 billion.
Navistar International Corp. is a leading producer of medium trucks,
school buses, heavy trucks, service vehicles, mid-range diesel engines and
parts and service sold under the International brand. The company also is a
private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup
truck, van and SUV markets. Through its finance subsidiary, the company also
provides financing and liability insurance for its dealers and customers.
With world headquarters in Chicago, Navistar had 1999 sales and revenues of
$8.6 billion. Additional information can be found on the company's web site
at http://www.nav-international.com