Update: Automotive parts maker Henniges to launch Polish plant

Auburn Hills, Michigan – Global auto component manufacturer Henniges Automotive Holdings Inc has announced plans to launch its first production plant in Poland.

In a continuing effort to extend its geographical footprint, the company, based at Auburn Hills, Michigan in the US, Henniges has chosen to site the new facility at Prudnik, in southern Poland.

Henniges will produce vehicle plastics and rubber sealing components and anti-vibration systems at the new unit which is destined to create up to 500 jobs locally over the next five years.

“Henniges is very growth-minded under its new leadership. Opening a plant in Prudnik enables us to build on the expertise of our plant in the Czech Republic to expand our technology offerings in the region,” commented the firm’s European Operations vice-president Ann Budin.

The US group chose the Polish site because of its proximity to the Czech Republic/Polish border, just 150kms north of its existing Czech production unit in Hranice. Henniges acquired the former Czech Nomaseal s.r.o. plant, a producer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) weather sealing systems, in October 2011.

Prudnik plant will enable Henniges to become more competitive in the region, according to Boris Gavric, the group’s global vice president of sales and marketing.

Henniges, which also operates plants in North America, South America and Asia, manufactures sealing systems for vehicle doors, lift gates, boots, sun roofs and bonnets as well as anti-vibration components. The group employs globally a 7,700-strong workforce.

Last year, the US group was acquired by the Chinese company AVIC Automotive Systems Holding Co. The buyer is a subsidiary of Beijing-based Aviation Industry of China, a €45bn state-owned aerospace and defence conglomerate.