IAC breaks ground in Poland for tailored instrument panels plant

Expanding its manufacturing footprint further into the growing Eastern Europe market, International Automotive Components (IAC) today broke ground for a greenfield plant in Opole, Poland.

The facility, which will manufacture tailored instrument panels for premium passenger cars, will be operational in mid-2017 and accounts for an investment of about $20 million.

IAC Opole will be built in steps over the course of 2017, and will cover 27,000 square metres. It will serve as the company’s 27th plant in Europe. Although initially built to provide premium customised instrument panels, the plant has been designed to support future growth by supplying other interiors products to vehicle manufacturers in the region, as many international OEMs are establishing, or already have plants within 100 to 450km from IAC Opole.

The facility will be built in accordance with IAC’s world-class manufacturing standards and will initially focus on highly crafted cut and sew operations as well as hand-wrapped premium instrument panels. IAC Opole is expected to generate approximately 550 skilled jobs in the region.

“The IAC Opole installment is aligned with IAC’s 2020 Vision, our global strategy of supporting our customers with innovative and high quality interiors solutions that help them to create sales success in the various regions where they are located,” said Marcus Nyman, IAC senior vice-president (Cockpit & Overhead Systems Europe). “Working in close cooperation with the Opole authorities and our strategic partners on site, we anticipate flawless completion of the plant and we expect to attract a talented workforce that will be key for our product quality and superior service to our customers,” said Jonas Nilsson, IAC senior vice-president (Manufacturing Strategy Europe).

IAC executives were joined by customer representatives, Opole civic authorities, the first plant employees, and strategic partners from CTP and Adecco for the groundbreaking ceremony.