International Automotive Components (IAC), an automotive interior components supplier, has continued its aggressive global growth with the opening of its first South American plant in Itatiaia, Brazil. The new 4,500-square-meter (48,437-square-foot) facility officially opened June 15 and is expected to employ approximately 40 to 50 people when production reaches full capacity. It assembles and delivers highly crafted cockpits to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) do Brasil to support the production of the 2017 Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque premium sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
“As we strive to meet our OEM customers’ worldwide demands, the development of our first South American plant is a testament to IAC’s global capabilities,” said IAC Chief Operating Officer Brian Pour. “In just six short months, we were able to set up our facility, get it operational and start supporting vehicle production.”
IAC Itatiaia assembles cockpit components provided by five of the company’s United Kingdom facilities, which are located in Halewood, Elmdon, Sunderland, Scunthorpe, and Coleshill, Brazil. The completed cockpits are delivered to the nearby JLR do Brasil in Itatiaia.
“Our presence in Brazil allows us to be a reliable strategic partner to Jaguar Land Rover’s global expansion and successfully support the lean operations of this important customer,” said Pour.
Currently employing 17 dedicated team members, the greenfield plant follows the IAC Production System for lean operational excellence and is strategically located to support the customer’s growth plans in the region.
