Leading automotive and commercial vehicle interiors supplier, International Automotive Components (IAC), celebrated the opening of two new facilities in support of regional automotive hubs in New Delhi and Pune. Company officials first dedicated a new facility which complements IAC's current Manesar manufacturing operation, and then followed it with the dedication of a new 80,000-square feet manufacturing, design and technical center in Chakan near Pune, which was inaugurated on March 4, 2014. The Chakan facility will allow IAC to expand its local manufacturing support to a growing customer base in the region, which includes Mahindra & Mahindra, Mahindra Trucks & Buses Ltd., Volkswagen, Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles and Fiat. The facility utilizes IAC's consistent global engineering, program management and lean manufacturing systems.

"The new Chakan location, which marks IAC's fourth facility in India overall, will employ more than 170 skilled professionals in production, engineering and administrative roles by the year's end. In addition to the existing 80,000 square feet, the company has set aside space for future growth. The plant utilizes world-class manufacturing processes consistent with IAC's global manufacturing and assembly footprint. Since establishment in 2007, IAC has not wavered from its commitment to India's automotive industry and the OEMs in the region. In return, our customers have elected to align and grow together with IAC," said James Kamsickas, IAC President and Chief Executive Officer. Headquartered in Luxembourg, IAC Group operates 81 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries. The company has approximately 100 total locations in 21 countries, including 22 design, technical and commercial centers, and employs more than 28,000 people globally.

The new IAC Chakan facility, referred to as International Automotive Components Chakan Plant II, is the company's second manufacturing facility in the Pune district. The original facility, IAC Chakan I, is located on the Mahindra & Mahindra manufacturing campus dedicated to M&M's vehicle lines for supply of interior and exterior components. Chakan II is a multi-customer facility that supplies a wide range of products including, but not limited to, headliners, instrument panels, door panels, center consoles, and exterior trim.

Supporting India's northern automotive region, the IAC Manesar Plant II will complement the current manufacturing operation, comprising a total of 60,000 square feet between both locations. IAC Manesar produces headliners, flooring, floor consoles, instrument panel components and interior soft trim products for its customers, including Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles.