IAC gets closer to OEMs, opens new plants in Manesar, Chakan

International Automotive Components (IAC), the automotive and commercial vehicle interiors supplier, has in the past few days opened two all-new facilities to cater to regional automotive hubs in New Delhi and Pune, India. 

Supporting India’s northern automotive region, the new International Automotive Components 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 customers including Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and VE Commercial Vehicles. 

Meanwhile, earlier today, the company inaugurated a new 80,000-square-foot Manufacturing, Design & Technical Center in Chakan, near Pune. The new Chakan facility will see IAC expand its local manufacturing support to its growing customer base in the region, which includes Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Mahindra Trucks and Buses, Volkswagen India, VE Commercial Vehicles and Fiat India. The facility utilises IAC’s consistent global engineering, program management and lean manufacturing systems.

The new Chakan plant, 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 end. In addition to the existing 80,000 square feet, the company has set aside space for future growth. 

"Since establishment in 2007, International Automotive Components has not wavered from our 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, president and CEO, IAC.

The new IAC Chakan facility, referred to as International Automotive Components Chakan Plant II, is IAC’s second manufacturing facility in the Pune district. The original facility, IAC Chakan I, is located on the M&M manufacturing campus dedicated to M&M 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.

“In today’s global economy, our customers’ success depends on transnational, refined suppliers to support their regional and global needs and this new facility showcases how IAC fulfills these needs in India and across the globe,” said Gajanan Gandhe, vice-president of South Asia for IAC. “IAC’s rapid expansion in the region remains a priority as we continue supporting our growing global customer base.”