DETROIT — MANN+HUMMEL is expanding its product development, testing and manufacturing operations in North America. The enhancements are part of the investment that MANN+HUMMEL will make in North America in the next three years, on both product development and manufacturing facilities, to expand its filtration technology.
Included in the project are plans to expand engineering support at the company’s Portage, MI, facility. The Portage facility, along with the South Bend, IN, location began production of five new product lines in 2005 and anticipates six more program launches in 2006 for Ford, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Nissan and Toyota. The aftermarket warehouse, distribution, logistics and customer service operations at South Bend were also expanded.
A significant part of MANN+HUMMEL’s North American growth plan also is based on its new facilities in Queretaro, Mexico. Dating back to its first facility in Mexico in 1991, the new plant is part of a commitment to grow the company’s NAFTA presence. The new Queretaro facility enables the company to increase both OEM and aftermarket activities, with a special focus on filtration production.
Four new filtration-product programs were launched successfully and a second filter element production line was completed at the Queretaro, Mexico plant in 2005. A new filtration product program for Nissan will be launched in 2006, which will help support the growth of the MANN+HUMMEL Mexico operations. A new heavy-duty filter element line and a new oil filter element line are scheduled for completion in 2006.
Expansion of Queretaro’s filter element capabilities, including new technologies and equipment, are planned to support growth in the filter manufacturing sector into 2007, according to the company.
For more information about MANN+HUMMEL, go to: www.mann-hummel.com .
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