Brose’s door system plant in Holzgerlingen starts operations
Holzgerlingen/Weil im Schönbuch (20.06.2006). On 19 June 2006, operations started at the international automotive supplier Brose’s production facility in the local industrial park of Holzgerlingen and Weil im Schönbuch (Böblingen District). This is a major future-oriented project for both the company and the region. Some 80 employees produce door systems for the S-Class in line with the vehicle assembly schedule at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Sindelfingen. The essential functions of the door such as the window regulator, latch, wiring harness, door electronics, inner trim, loudspeaker and seals as well as a crash sensor and a keyless-go-antenna are integrated into an aluminum carrier.
In the upcoming days, production of door systems for another Mercedes-Benz model will commence. By the end of 2009, the headcount is expected to exceed 200. Production and logistic processes have been optimally geared to customer requirements so that, when working to full capacity, over 9,000 door systems with up to 450 variants can be produced a day. Once the delivery order has been received, the automotive suppler has 320 minutes to supply the S-Class door systems. The pre-checked system units have to be ready for installation at the DaimlerChrysler assembly line within this timeframe.
Previously, Brose produced the S-Class door systems in rented premises in Herrenberg. Due to the fact that these products will be used in other vehicle models, the automotive supplier decided to extend its production capacities, setting up the facility at Holzgerlingen/Weil im Schönbuch. Construction activity lasted eight months. Approx. 30 million euros were invested in the land and building, manufacturing equipment and information technology.
The mayors of Holzgerlingen and Weil im Schönbuch, Wilfried Dölker and Wolfgang Lahl, welcomed Brose’s commitment to the region: "While many companies are relocating their production to lower-cost areas abroad, Brose feels obligated to the region and Germany," emphasized Wilfried Dölker. His fellow mayor, Wolfgang Lahl, was equally happy at the prospect of Brose setting up a facility and creating new jobs in his district.
Milestone in the 75-year partnership
"Based on our long-standing collaboration, we are setting up this new location and looking forward to further long-term business relations," said Plant Manager Jan Francke. "We have been able to counter pressure from rivaling firms by having competitive labor costs and optimal logistics," he added.
The Daimler Group is one of the Brose Group longest-standing customers. Currently 40 vehicle models of the Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Maybach and Chrysler brands are equipped with window regulators, seat adjusters, door systems and closure systems. Brose supplies DaimlerChrysler from twelve plants in Europe, North America, South America and South Africa.
Press contact:
Gabi Rujoub
Telefon: +49 9561 21 1653
Telefax: +49 9561 21 1704
E-mail: gabi.rujoub@brose.net
