A Rugby-based, independent manufacturer of automotive parts has established its first factory in Germany.
Automotive Insulations, which produces thermal and acoustic insulation components for companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley, will manufacture parts at the Rhineland Insulations site for the UK and German markets.
Managing Director Jim Griffin said: “We already have over £3 million of business in Germany to place in this site by the middle of 2014,” explains Jim.
“Weight reduction and sustainable production are currently major challenges facing the automotive industry which means that the products that we make are in increasing demand across the whole sector.
“We learned a lot about setting up abroad from our experience in Sweden. We knew that it was essential to find the right local partners who bring important cultural knowledge, as well as a good network of customers and suppliers.
“In addition, having worked with Jaguar Land Rover when they were owned by BMW as well as working with BMW in Oxford, we were already familiar with the German market.”
The move comes as part of their business strategy to expand the growing European automotive market.
Rhineland Insulations was set up at the end of 2013 in Hilden near Dusseldorf and since has gained the relevant quality accreditations. The site is currently manufacturing materials for car production in Germany, as well the company’s UK headquarters in Rugby.
Germany is Europe’s largest car manufacturer, exporting more vehicles to the UK than any other country according to the German automotive association, the VDA.
