Autoliv expands presence in Mexico with new plant

Autoliv Inc., the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, on June 7 announced the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Querétaro, Mexico. This new plant will be operational by year end and will mark the fifth facility for Autoliv in Mexico.

Autoliv already has two facilities in Querétaro producing airbag cushions, airbag modules and steering wheels for the North American market. By opening a third facility, the company can move its local airbag assembly operations to the new plant, allowing the existing plants to focus on steering wheel and cushion business. The new $4 million facility will employ approximately 500 associates at the El Marques Industrial Park in Querétaro.

Currently, Autoliv has more than 5,000 of its 42,000 global employees based in Mexico. Main customers for the Autoliv facilities in Mexico include Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has 80 facilities with approximately 42,000 employees in 28 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has technical centers in 12 countries around the world, including 21 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 2006 amounted to US$6.2 billion.