REHAU announces a multi-million dollar investment in infrastructure and equipment at its manufacturing facility in Cullman, Ala. The $30 million investment is being made to accommodate a new contract win from Mercedes-Benz to develop and produce bumper assemblies for the company’s C-Class and M-Class vehicle lines. Officially secured in January and May of this year, the contract is expected to create approximately 200 new jobs at REHAU’s Cullman plant over the next two years. In addition, REHAU’s technical center in Cullman will be upgraded to accommodate the additional North American business, as well as provide support for contract-related REHAU automotive operations outside North America.
“This contract win from Mercedes-Benz is significant not only for our Cullman plant in North America, but for REHAU as a global company, as we will be collaborating across several international regions to develop bumper solutions that can be used on vehicles in numerous countries,” said Niklas Braun, REHAU Automotive CEO. “We attribute our success in securing this contract to our internal collaborative capabilities, as well as to a solid history of operational collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. This has been a valued customer relationship for us, and we look forward to the opportunities presented by our latest contract with the company.”
“Winning this business undoubtedly speaks to our continued delivery of high-quality products and exceptional customer service here at Cullman,” said Lars Krook, REHAU plant manager in Cullman. “Our success is the result of the combined efforts of those working in Cullman as well as throughout our international REHAU network, and can also be attributed to notable and ongoing support from the City of Cullman, the Cullman Economic Development Agency and the Industrial Development Board of the City of Cullman.”
REHAU will begin bumper assembly design and development efforts immediately, with initial production scheduled for mid-2013. The new bumper assemblies will be included on 2015 model Mercedes-Benz C-Class and M-Class vehicles.
Several upgrades and additions to REHAU’s Cullman production facility are presently underway, including a building expansion, new injection molding equipment, fabrication devices and conversion of the existing paint line to an environment friendly water-borne paint system.
REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. Approximately 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company
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