TE Connectivity Ltd., a global provider connectivity and sensor solutions, has announced the opening of its expanded manufacturing plant in Dinkelsbuehl, in the federal state of Bavaria, Germany. The expansion adds high-tech, high-speed equipment and 50 percent more capacity to meet the evolving needs of automotive customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). TE says its products connect nearly every electrical function in cars – from alternative power systems to infotainment and sensor technologies.
TE is investing in advanced technologies and other capabilities at the facility, that are intended to drive innovation while enhancing quality and delivery as well as sustainability.
“This investment further demonstrates our commitment to automotive customers in Germany and the broader EMEA region,” said Eric Kueppers, president, TE Global Automotive. “With this expansion, we can engage even more with customers to help them speed their innovation. The investment is also an example of our ongoing commitment to our local communities, sustainability and community engagement.”
Since 2012, TE’s Dinkelsbuehl facility has recycled hot water generated by an adjacent private biogas plant to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. The water is used in TE’s manufacturing process and for heating the facility. The system already heats the existing plating lines, while the new production equipment will begin using the system in July 2016. TE expects potential energy savings equivalent to the annual energy usage of 300 local single-family homes, and a reduction of CO2 emissions by 8.5 percent.
TE’s Dinkelsbuehl plant, which began operations in 1986, manufactures a number of products and components for automotive applications, mainly plastic molded connectors and sensor housings as well as plated terminals. The facility also serves as TE’s Automotive Center of Excellence for plating and molding in EMEA.
TE also recently announced the expansion of its manufacturing operations in Steinach, Switzerland, and opened its first manufacturing plant in the Tangier Free Trade Zone and in Africa. These plants also serve the evolving needs of automotive customers in the region.
