FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – Through its acquisition of GDX Automotive, Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems – North America will combine the two companies to create a new global supplier in the automotive sealing systems industry. Metzeler is a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital.
The new company will be called Henniges Automotive. Highly respected in Europe, the Henniges name is derived from GDX Automotive’s most recognized brand founded in Germany by Ernst Henniges in 1951. Building upon the brand’s strong heritage, Henniges Automotive will offer stronger, more diverse product lines in both sealing and anti-vibration systems globally.
Robert DePierre, chief executive officer of Metzeler Automotive Profiles, will serve as the CEO of Henniges Automotive. DePierre has extensive experience in the automotive industry, having spent 20 years with Benteler Automotive. In 2006, DePierre joined Wynnchurch Capital as an operating partner and served as CEO of Android Industries.
Rob Barrow will assume responsibilities as executive vice president of Global Sealing Systems. Burkhard Bruhl will serve as executive vice president of Global Anti-Vibration Systems and Boris Gavric will oversee the integration process of the two companies, as integration manager.
The company will be headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI, will manage 18 facilities located in North America, Europe and Asia including: Keokuk, Iowa; Farmington Hills, MI; New Haven, MO; Reidsville, NC; Frederick, OK; Chester, SC; Oakville, Ontario; Welland, Ontario; Guadalajara, Mexico; Gomez Palacio, Mexico; Grefrath, Germany; Rehburg, Germany; Odry, Czech Republic; Ostrava, Czech Republic; Beijing, China; Shanghai, China; and Changchun, China.
For more information, go to: http://www.wynnchurch.com.
