Autoneum is expanding its local presence in Mexico with a third manufacturing location in the North American growth market. From the start of 2017, carpet systems, inner dashes and floor insulators will be produced at the plant in San Luis Potosí (San Luis Potosí federal state) around 400 kilometers northwest of Mexico City. From the plant measuring 19’000 square meters, Autoneum will supply US and German OEMs producing locally for the North American market.

Autoneum is already represented in Mexico with a manufacturing location in Hermosillo (Sonora federal state) and via its subsidiary UGN with a plant in Silao (Guanajuato federal state). As well as the locational benefits that Mexico offers due to its NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) membership, the strong need among vehicle manufacturers for noise protection components for the vehicle interior floor is a decisive factor for the expansion of production capacities. At the same time, Mexico is one of the world’s most dynamic automobile markets: In 2014, 3.2 million light vehicles were produced, with an increase to 4.8 million vehicles expected for 2020.

“This additional location in Mexico is necessary in order to cope with the high demand of OEMs in North America for our lightweight and multifunctional components. At the same time, we are strengthening our position in this important growth market in line with our strategy”, underlined Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel at the ground-breaking ceremony in San Luis Potosí.