HELLA invests 90 million dollars in

The HELLA Group, one of the world’s leading automotivesuppliers, has officially opened its fifth production plant in Mexico — a$90-million facility built in just eleven months in Irapuato in the State ofGuanajuato.    

The new industrial complex will generate approximately1,500 new jobs over the medium term and is considered one of the most advancedHELLA Group plants worldwide in terms of infrastructure, technology, design,performance and sustainability. The facility will strengthen Mexico’s positionas a strategic production and distribution hub within the auto industry. Theplant is expected to produce 1.2 million headlamps and 2.4 million rear lampsfor markets in North and South America.

The inaugural event (held on Jan. 16) was attended byMexico’s Secretary of Economy, Ildefonso Guajardo; the Governor of the State ofGuanajuato, Miguel Marquez Marquez, and senior HELLA Group executives.

Dr. Rolf Breidenbach, chairman of the HELLA ManagementBoard said: “We are undertaking an ambitious global expansion plan whichwill include substantial strategic investments in major automotive-industryproduction and distribution hubs around the world. Mexico is ranked tenthoverall in motor vehicle production and second in Latin-America. Our investmenthere is a key piece to HELLA’s continued growth and will contribute to thedevelopment of the City of Irapuato, the State of Guanajuato and Mexico.”

Ignacio Moreno, president and CEO of HELLA’s LightingDivision for North and South America added, “We are very happy and proudto be opening this new plant, the HELLA Group’s state-of-the-art productioncenter, developed with sustainability as a core objective. Moreover, we want tothank municipal, state and federal authorities for their support to developthis project. Our investment here recognizes Mexico’s important role in theglobal automotive industry and the country’s many competitive advantages,including its highways, human talent, universities and institutions with a technologyfocus as well as its geographic location. We are working to establish Mexico asthe center of the expansion of our production operations in North and SouthAmerica.”

One of the new plant’s major features includes a lowpower consumption LED lighting system developed by HELLA. Industrial processesperformed in the plant don’t require water and the production system itself isemission-free. Also, the facility’s state-of-the-art waste treatment systemsare operated by outside contractors specializing in waste management.

HELLA also plans to initiate a community outreach programto supply medicine and increase medical services in clinics in the localvillage of Abasolo. 

Mr. Moreno noted that with the new facility, HELLA willnot only be advancing its development of automotive lighting technology,production and state-of-the-art distribution models in North and South America,but also will be having a positive impact both locally and nationally.

About HELLA  

HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., Lippstadt: HELLA is a global,independent, family-owned company with more than 29,000 employees at 100locations in more than 35 countries. The HELLA Group develops and manufactureslighting and electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. Inthe aftermarket segment, HELLA also has one of the largest trade organizationsfor automotive parts, accessories, diagnostics and services within Europe.HELLA’s Special Applications business unit develops products for specialistvehicles and entirely independent applications such as street lighting orindustrial lighting systems. Complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systemsand vehicle electrical systems are produced in joint venture companies. Withmore than 5,600 people working in research and development, HELLA is one of themarket’s most important innovation drivers. With sales of 5.0 billion euros infiscal year 2012/2013, the HELLA Group also is one of the top 50 automotiveparts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest German industrialcompanies.