New front-end module production facility in Windsor, Ontario

HBPO, a global leader in front- end module engineering and production, has opened its new front-end module production facility in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Among those taking part in the ceremony were Eddie Francis, mayor of Windsor, Sandra Pupatello, Ontario minister of Economic Development and Trade and Dwight Duncan, Ontario minister of Energy.

The 60,000-square-foot plant features a state-of-the-art assembly line and a robotized production cell to manufacture large front-end carriers. It has just started to supply built in-sequence front-end modules in complex variations for the Chrysler Group in Canada. The HBPO front-end modules are a breakthrough automotive innovation that include structural front-body carriers, cross members, engine cooling systems, electronics and accurately positioned headlamps.

The new Canadian facility is creating more than 100 new jobs in three shifts. The initial production capacity may increase next year.

“Our Windsor, Canada facility is a key-investment in our future and a strategic addition to our current footprint. It will allow us to efficiently serve our customer Chrysler’s needs in North America,” said Emmanuel Boudon, president of HBPO North America.

This year, HBPO also will open new production facilities in St. Louis, Missouri and Toluca, Mexico.

Founded in 2004 as a three-party joint-venture between automotive suppliers Hella, Behr and Plastic Omnium Auto Exterior, HBPO is the global leader in front-end module engineering, assembly, and supply chain management.

With corporate headquarters in Lippstadt, Germany and North American headquarters in Troy, Michigan, USA, global sales last year totaled $716 million. HBPO employs more than 835 people worldwide. It will assemble over two million front-end modules this year out of now 14 plants in Europe, North America and Asia.

North America is the fastest-growing region for HBPO with regional headquarters including a pilot facility in Troy, Michigan. Production facilities are in St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Windsor, Canada; and Puebla, Hermosillo and Toluca, Mexico.